The buzz and excitement of London seemed to be a distant memory during this last year and I missed it! So, August seemed to be the perfect time to venture down south and experience new things with my son, Hector, celebrating his A Level results before he studies Art at university.
I was surprised at how many people were on the train and the number of people filling the streets and shops, once there. It was encouraging to see after my last trip down in between Lockdowns 2 and 3 here in England. Then London was like a ghost town with many shops and cafes shut.
Inspiration is never far away here, so I booked two art exhibitions by iconic English artists. The first was David Hockney, ‘The Arrival of Spring in Normandy, France’. This was an exhibition filling three rooms at the Royal Academy in Piccadilly. 116 works were exhibited all drawn by Hockney on his iPad charting the arrival of Spring. I am drawn to his style of painting, his bright colour palette and the natural world he portrays. The Cherry Blossom Trees and sunsets were my favourites.
Next a trip to Camden Market. I haven’t been here since my youth! It didn’t disappoint, brimming with little stalls and coffee shops. One find was mmleathershopworkshop.com a leather workshop which makes handmade belts and handbags. My son and I ordered a belt each, chose the strap and buckle and they were made up in front of our eyes. We were really pleased with the results. It took me back to my buying days when I bought small leather goods for Libertys. Apparently, there are very few leather craftspeople left in the UK, so it felt good to support this small business.
We also saw a life size bronze statue of Amy Winehouse by Scott Eaton and were taken by how thin and fragile she was.
The Art of Banksy was our next destination in Covent Garden, unauthorised by Banksy but displaying a vast array of privately owned prints and originals. The exhibition depicted his rise to fame and complete disregard for capitalism and art collectors. The rats were a favourite and reading about his promotional stunts including the painting of the Girl with a Balloon which was automatically shredded in the auction house as soon as the hammer went down, but still sold for £1 million.
The trip was finished off with a trip to the new restaurant concept called Ivy Asia on the Kings Road. The interior décor was amazing as it was filled with silk cherry blossom trees and what looked like a see through lit up green agate floor.
London never disappoints.
Anita Bowerman
Author
Artist