This is my list of places I want to go and exhibitions I want to see, along with when to go and how to get there.
First things first
I’ve organised it in terms of the most time critical, i.e. ending soon, when I’ve got a while to get there and whenever I’m in the area or get the chance to visit. I’ve included both one off exhibitions and perennial favourites. It’s focussed around London and the South West, since that’s where I am. I may include other adventures as my holidays (hopefully) dictate.
Drawing in museums and galleries
I like to draw and make notes in galleries but in the special exhibitions this is often impossible and frequently not allowed. Most places do allow sketching in their permanent collections, provided that you follow some basic guidelines, typically drawing in a handheld sketchbook and using pen or pencil rather than charcoal. The National Gallery issues guidelines for sketching there which seem to be followed elsewhere.
The V&A is particularly good to draw in; they have large, diverse collections and provide plenty of fixed seating and mobile stools which are free to use. I usually see a lot of other people drawing, which always makes me feel more comfortable drawing.
Gallery nights
Different galleries open late throughout the week, so if you have a free evening check out the Time-out: London guide for late opening galleries, listed by day.
Fee free?
Most, but not all, of these galleries are free but special exhibitions on specific topics aren’t.
You are very welcome to link to appropriate venues and events in the comments.
View Museums and Galleries in a larger map
Ending soon:
Egon Shiele: Women at Richard Nagy
(22 Old Bond Street, 2nd Floor, London.)
Opening hours: 19 May to 30 June 2011, Tuesday to Saturday, 12 – 5pm
Tricky to find with access via an entry phone system. Look for a small board outside, between designer boutiques. An amazing and possibly unrepeatable chance to see these drawings which are all on loan from private collections.
Keep and eye out for:
The Cult of Beauty: The Aesthetic movement 1860-1900 at the V&A
2 April – 17 July 2011
Opening hours: daily 10am – 5.45pm, Friday 10am – 10pm
The BP Portrait Award 2011 at the National Portrait Gallery
16 June – 18 September 2011
Opening hours: daily 10am – 6pm, Thursday & Friday 10am – 9pm
Toulouse-Lautrec and Jane Avril: Beyond The Moulin Rouge at the Courtauld Gallery
16 June – 18 September 2011
Opening hours: daily 10am – 6pm
Nearest tube: Temple or Charing Cross
When you’re passing/whenever you get the chance:
I’ve picked these because I know that there is always something there from their permanent collection that I will enjoy seeing. I also plan more focussed study visits
The Victoria and Albert Museum
Opening hours: Daily 10.00am to 17.45pm, Fridays 10am – 10pm
Nearest tube: South Kensington
I love it for: The cast halls and sculptures, the buddhas, diversity of everything. Having little stools so that you can draw. That people actually DO draw there. (and you can look over their shoulders, I hate it when people do that… but I still do it ;-p)
The Natural History Museum
Opening hours: daily 10am – 5.50pm
Nearest tube: South Kensington
I love it for:
The National Gallery
Opening hours: Daily 10am – 6pm, Friday 10am – 9pm
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
The National Portrait Gallery
Opening hours: daily 10am – 6pm, Thursday & Friday 10am – 9pm
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
The British Museum
Opening hours: daily 10am – 5.30pm, Friday 10am – 8.30pm
Nearest tube: Holborn
The Courtauld Gallery
Opening hours: daily 10am – 6pm
Nearest tube: Temple or Charing Cross
The Hunterian Museum
Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 5pm
Nearest tube: Holborn
The Dulwich Picture Gallery
Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 5pm, Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Nearest train: North or West Dulwich (over ground)
Tate Britain
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm. First Friday of each month 10am – 10pm
Nearest tube: Pimlico
The Ashmolean (Oxford)
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Transport:
The Holburne (Bath)
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Transport: Bath Spa Station (rail)
My thoughts on exhibitions past:
Watteau – Drawings at the Royal Academy
I would love to know what you thought of these, other exhibitions you’ve visited or would like to visit, so you are very welcome to post a relevant link in the comments.
