What's on in London this week: 17 – 23 July 2023
Discover our pick of things to do in London this week: 17 – 23 July 2023.
Explore London
Elrow Town 2023
Elrow Town returns to London this weekend! Experience an explosive blend of music, art, performance, and colour at Parsoles Park in East London. Witness over 200 performers, including DJs, dancers, acrobats, and stand-alone acts, all adorned in the most vibrant costumes. With incredible stage designs and a lineup featuring Fisher, Gorgon City, Patrick Topping, Armand Van Helden, and more, organisers have claimed this to be Elrow Town's most immersive show yet.
Date: 22 July 2023. Price: from £ 59.95. Location: Parloes Park, Dagenham. Book now.
Image : Elrow Town London. Image courtesy of Elrow Town
Savour Festival
Get ready for Savour Festival, the latest food festival hitting London this weekend! Held at the stunning Royal Hospital Chelsea, this event promises a delightful blend of culinary talents, artisan producers, and beverage experts. With over 120 showcases, including local restaurants such as Angelina, Polpo, The Aubrey, and the collection of pubs and restaurants from Cubitt House, visitors will be in for a treat. There will also be artisan markets and inviting tipis. Indulge in tantalising taster dishes priced at £3, take part in engaging workshops, enjoy live music, and witness impressive chef demonstrations. It's set to be a weekend filled with mouthwatering flavours and unforgettable experiences.
Date: 21 - 23 July 2023. Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4SR. Price: from £19.50pp. Book now.
Filippo Gorini at Wigmore Hall
Get ready for an enchanting performance by Italian pianist Filippo Gorini at the prestigious Wigmore Hall. Gorini's interpretation of Bach's contrapuntal music has received rave reviews, applauded for its graceful poise, meticulous pacing, and masterful handling of multiple voices. Prepare yourself for an experience that will last approximately 95 minutes, as Gorini's extraordinary piano skills take the spotlight. Affordable £5 tickets are offered to attendees under 35, ensuring that this remarkable performance is accessible to all. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of musical brilliance at Wigmore Hall.
Date: 23 July 2023. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore Street, London, Greater London, W1U 2BP. Price: from £16. Book now.
Image: Bold Tendencies. Photo by Peter Landers
Oona Doherty at Bold Tendencies
Irish choreographer Oona Doherty, known for her distinctive and intense dance theatre work, will be performing her iconic piece, Hope Hunt, at Bold Tendencies. Doherty's performance is described as a panacea in our current age of crisis, aiming to challenge stereotypes and spark social change through dance. Hope Hunt, featuring dancer Sati Veyrunes and DJ Maxime Jerry Fraisse, is an ode to strength and vulnerability. Alongside the live performance, Doherty's unsettling film Navy Blue will be screened, urging viewers to question society's trajectory and advocate for change. Oona Doherty, awarded the Silver Lion at the Venice Dance Biennale in 2021, transcends boundaries with her captivating and soulful artistry.
Date: 22 July 2023. Location: Multi storey Car park, 7th-10th Floors, 95a Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST Price: £28. Book now.
Image: Gardens of Chiswick House & Garden. © MTotoe
Visit Chiswick House & Gardens
Chiswick House & Gardens is a prestigious 65-acre estate in West London, featuring an elegant villa and gardens designed by William Kent and Richard Boyle, the third Earl of Burlington, in the 18th century. It is renowned for its neo-Palladian architecture, influential English landscape gardens, and restored gallery rooms exhibiting opulent decor and Old Masters paintings. The gardens, with their curving paths, picturesque lake, and renowned Camellia collection, add to the estate's allure. Additionally, there is a historic Kitchen Garden cultivating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. This extraordinary estate offers a rich history, stunning grounds, and a delightful café for visitors to enjoy.
Location: Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London, Greater London, England, W4 2RP. Price: from £11 / £5.50 (Adult/Child) for House + Kitchen Garden Admission. Free for children under 5. Book now.
Gooce Supper Club x The Little Orange Door
London's first Singles Supper Club, Gooce, is back in partnership with The Little Orange Door in Clapham, offering a unique opportunity for singles to meet in person. This Thursday, singles can indulge in a delightful dining experience while having the chance to connect with like-minded individuals. The menu features tasty sharing starters such as Beetroot Arancini and Spiced Tuna Tartare, followed by mouthwatering sharing mains like Pork Belly Porchetta and Cauliflower Steak. Hosted at The Little Orange Door in Clapham, this event has gained recognition as the ‘anti-Tinder’ . It's a refreshing and engaging way for singles to interact offline and make genuine connections. The event will be specifically catering to guests aged 25-35 who identify as heterosexual. However, Gooce also hosts a variety of other nights tailored to different demographics. Click here to discover more nights that suit your preferences.
Date: 20 July 2023. Location: The Little Orange Door, 16A Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 7AB. Price: from £40.00 - £45.00. Book now.
Image: Chadō demonstrations at Japan House London. Image courtesy of Japan House London
Chadō demonstrations by Tankokai UK
Japan House London presents monthly tea demonstrations by Tankokai UK, showcasing the art of Chadō, or the Japanese Way of Tea. With over 400 years of history, Chadō is a practice that involves meticulous preparation and serving of matcha tea, focusing on single movements, appreciation of craft objects, and awareness of the surroundings. Led by practitioners from Tankokai UK, connected to Urasenke, one of the largest Tea schools in Japan, each demonstration offers a firsthand experience of the values and significance of the Way of Tea. Guests have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation with the practitioners. Their next event will take place this weekend. Tickets for the demonstrations are free but must be booked.
Date: 22 July 2023. Location: The Hall, Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High St, London W8 5SA. Price: Free. Book now.
Art Galleries in South London
We are pleased to present our guide to the best art destinations in each sub-region of London. This week, our focus is on the vibrant South London scene. South London boasts a thriving contemporary art scene with numerous galleries dedicated to showcasing fantastic art and engaging with their communities. Here are some of our favourite go-to spaces for art in South London.
Image: South London Gallery. July 2023. © MTotoe
South London Gallery
The South London Gallery (SLG) was established in the 19th century to bring art to the people of South London. Today, it encompasses multiple sites, including the Fire Station and Art Block, and is known for its contemporary art exhibitions, film screenings, live performances, and highly regarded free education programme. Over the past two decades, the SLG has collaborated with numerous artists. Some notable artists who have exhibited at the SLG include Alice Channer, Isabelle Cornaro, Rashid Johnson, Ryan Gander, Gabriel Kuri, Oscar Murillo, Dara Birnbaum, Thomas Hirschhorn, and Lawrence Weiner. These artists, among others, have contributed to the gallery's vibrant contemporary art programme and have helped shape its reputation as a dynamic cultural institution.
Location: South London Gallery, 65 Peckham Rd, London SE5 8UH. Website: southlondongallery.org. Instagram: @southlondongallery.
Bold Tendencies
Bold Tendencies, established in 2007, is a not-for-profit arts organisation located on the rooftop spaces of Peckham multi-storey Car Park. What began as a transformation of a disused building has evolved into an experimental civic space and beloved gathering spot over the course of 16 years. Since 2007, they have commissioned 128 site-specific works of visual art and hosted renowned artists like Emilija Škarnulytė and João Vasco Paiva. Bold Tendencies also offers a vibrant live music program featuring The Philharmonia Orchestra. With a commitment to open access and community engagement, Bold Tendencies embraces the liberation of public spaces, creating an atmosphere of creativity and inclusivity.
Location: Multi storey Car park, 7th-10th Floors, 95a Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST. Website: boldtendencies.com. Instagram: @boldtendencies.
Image: Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre. 2019. © MTotoe
Hayward Gallery
The Hayward Gallery is an iconic modern art gallery known for its distinctive brutalist architecture. Since its opening in 1968, it has presented adventurous exhibitions featuring renowned artists like Matisse, Riley, Emin, Bacon, and Gormley. Notable exhibitions include Psycho Buildings in 2008, with immersive installations by Gelitin and Los Carpinteros, and Gormley's exhibition featuring the ‘Event Horizon’ installation on surrounding rooftops. As an independent institution, the Hayward Gallery charges admission fees, supports artist residencies, and tours exhibitions across the UK. It remains a prominent hub for contemporary art.
Location: South Bank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, Greater London, England, SE1 8XZ. Website: southbankcentre.co.uk. Instagram: @hayward.gallery.
Goldsmith Centre for Contemporary Art
Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) is a renowned, free public art gallery in New Cross, South London. Housed in a beautifully reimagined Victorian bathhouse designed by Turner Prize-winning architects Assemble, it has showcased world-class exhibitions by acclaimed artists such as Hadi Fallahpisheh, Virginia Overton, Roland Carline, Mohamed Bourouissa, and Olivia Sterling. The gallery also hosts engaging events that promote creativity and foster community engagement. With its Grade II-listed building, featuring eight distinct galleries and a rooftop gallery, Goldsmiths CCA aims to establish Lewisham as a must-visit destination for contemporary art enthusiasts and the wider public.
Location: Goldsmiths CCA, St James’, New Cross, London SE14 6AD. Website: goldsmithscca.art. Instagram: @goldsmithscca.
Click here to discover our carefully curated selection of 15 exceptional art galleries that showcase South London’s creative prowess.
Arts & Culture
Opening this week
Damien Hirst: Where the Land Meets the Sea
Image: Propagation, Damien Hirst, 2022. Photographed by Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS/ArEmage 2023.
Damien Hirst's new exhibition, Where the Land Meets the Sea, will open at Phillips' London galleries on Berkeley Square. Presented by HENI, this collection features never-before-seen artworks, including Coast Paintings, Sea Paintings, and Seascapes. Inspired by British seaside locations and coastal storms, these artworks combine abstract action, grayscale intensity, and photorealistic scenes. Supported by Gagosian and White Cube, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Hirst's remarkable series.
Date: 20 July – 18 August 2023. Location: Phillips, 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX. Price: Free. Website: phillips.com.
Image: Lay It Down (On The Edge Of Beauty), by Thomas J Price, 2018 . Photo: Ken Adlard. © Thomas J Price. Courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth
Thomas J Price at the V&A Museum
The Victoria & Albert Museum is teaming up with artist Thomas J Price for an exciting sculpture display. The exhibition will feature eight of Price's thought-provoking sculptures placed throughout the museum, including in the Dorothy and Michael Hintze Sculpture Galleries and the Europe 1600 - 1800 Galleries. Price's works challenge preconceived notions of status and appearance, emphasising the shared humanity among individuals. His sculptures, depicting everyday people, address issues of visibility and identity, particularly for Black individuals in visual culture. The exhibition highlights include Lay It Down (On The Edge Of Beauty), a polished bronze head, and Signals, a sculpture of a young man holding his phone up to the sky.
Date: 22 July 2023 – 27 May 2024. Location: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL.Price: Free. Website: vam.ac.uk.
Image: Ming Smith, Grace on Motor Cycle, 1978 © Courtesy of the artist and Pip py Houldsworth Gallery, London
Black Venus at Somerset House
Black Venus showcases the works of 20+ Black women and non-binary artists. It explores the representation and evolving legacy of Black women in visual culture, addressing issues of fetishisation, othering, and reclamation of narratives. The exhibition contrasts historical exploitation with contemporary artworks, highlighting the complexity of Black femininity. Participating artists include Sonia Boyce, Widline Cadet, Shawanda Corbett, Renée Cox, Delphine Diallo, Ellen Gallagher, Ayana V Jackson, Zanele Muholi, Lorna Simpson, and Carrie Mae Weems, among others. It invites viewers to confront oppression, challenge prejudice, and celebrate the transformative power of Black women.
Date: 20 July – 24 September 2023. Location: Terrace Rooms & Courtyard Rooms, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA. Price: In order to make the exhibition as accessible as possible. It is ‘Pay What You Can.’ SS are asking visitors who are able to do so to consider making a donation to support the work of Somerset House. Book now.
#FLOFAVOURITES: THIS WEEK
Gabriel Chaile in collaboration with Laura Ojeda Bär: Usos y costumbres
Studio Voltaire presents an intriguing sculptural installation by Gabriel Chaile, inviting viewers on a transformative journey through collaborative and ritual spaces. Drawing inspiration from Argentina's rich history and indigenous artefacts, Chaile delves into ancestral knowledge, shedding light on colonial legacies. In a remarkable collaboration with Laura Ojeda Bär, their exhibition Usos y costumbres redefines traditional gallery displays. Clay covers the space, seamlessly integrating paintings into the walls, resulting in an immersive environment for exploration, experimentation, and dialogue. This powerful installation forges meaningful connections between the past and present, inviting visitors to engage with the profound narratives woven within.
Date:12 July–10 September 2023. Location: Studio Voltaire, 1A Nelsons Row London SW4 7JR. Price: Free. Website: studiovoltaire.org.
Image: Gabriel Chaile, Mama Luchona, New Museum, New York. Courtesy of the artist, @barro_cc and @chertluedde. Photography by Dario Lasagni.
we are a group of people composed of who we are at Peer Gallery
we are a group of people composed of who we are is an exhibition showcasing the artistic, cultural, and social collective work that occurred in Hackney between 1971 and 1986. It explores the radical histories of cooperative and collective work, examining the intersection of art, literature, and social and political commitments. The exhibition features new commissions, existing artwork, literature, film, and archival material, shedding light on the complexities of collective work and its relevance for envisioning our future. It is part of Peer's 2023 program, which focuses on collective work, interdependency, and place.
Date: until 9 September 2023. Location: Peer, 97–99 Hoxton Street London, N1 6QL. Price: Free. Website: peeruk.org
Image: Kiripi Katembo Avancer, Un regard series 2008 - 2013 © Kiripi Katembo, courtesy Kiripi Katembo Siku Foundation & MAGNIN-A Gallery, Paris
A World in Common: Contemporary African Photography at the Tate Modern
Experience the dynamic world of contemporary African photography in an immersive exhibition at Tate Modern. Artists from different generations come together to reimagine Africa's diverse cultures and histories through photography, film, and audio. Explore themes like spirituality, identity, urbanism, and the climate crisis, as you journey through dream-like utopias and bustling cityscapes. Witness how photography bridges the past and future across Africa's landscapes, borders, and time zones.
Date: until 14 January 2024. Location:Tate Modern, Bankside London SE1 9TG. Price: from £17. Concessions available. Book now.
Only Until This Cigarette is Ended at Pictorum Gallery
Only Until This Cigarette is Ended is a group exhibition at Pictorum Gallery featuring nine international artists. Inspired by Edna St. Vincent Millay's poem, the exhibition explores collective memory and reflection. The artists, including Leily Moghtader Mojdehi, Tosin Kalejaye, Naomi Boiko, Olamide Ogunade, Elena Rivera-Montanes, Verde, Nina Baxter, Johanna Bath, and Brittany Fanning, approach the theme through their unique experiences, culture, and heritage. Through interdisciplinary textile works, portraits, paintings, and photography-based artworks, the exhibition offers a diverse range of artistic expressions, inviting viewers to engage with contemplative and nostalgic explorations.
Date: 14 July – 11 August 2023. Location: 2 Portman Square, London, W1H 6LA. Price: Free. Website: pictorumgallery.com
Image: Storm Party, 2023 by Brittany Fanning. Image courtesy of the artist and Pictorum Gallery
Nicolas Coleman and Xiao Wang solo exhibition at AM/PM
AM/PM continues its summer exhibition programme with two solo shows by Nicolas Coleman and Xiao Wang. Coleman's artwork showcases joyful and energetic scenes in luxuriously painted settings, exploring the complexities of our psychologies and responses to surroundings. Wang creates constructed scenes inspired by real-life settings, using dramatic colours and a realist approach to capture feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. His work reflects personal experiences as a Chinese immigrant, drawing from artistic movements and examining the collective psyche amidst rapid social changes.
Date: until 19 September 2023. Location: PM/AM, 37 Eastcastle Street, London W1W 8DR. Price: Free. Website: pmam.org
Image: Nicolas Coleman. Reading in Kensington Gardens, 2023. Oil on canvas. 61 x 51 cm 24 x 20 1/8 in. Image courtesy of the artist and AM/PM
Cinema
NT Live: Fleabag
Experience the hilarious and award-winning one-woman show, Fleabag, that inspired the hit TV series. Written and performed by the talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this live broadcast from London's West End brings you into the delightful journey of Fleabag's life. Laugh and empathise as she navigates the complexities of modern existence in a show that combines heartbreak with humour.
Date: 18 July 2023. Location: Barbican Cinema 1 ,Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: £20 + £1.50. Book now.
Image: Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Fleabag. UK 2019 Dir Vicky Jones 86 min
Oppenheimer [35mm]
Christopher Nolan directs Cillian Murphy in Oppenheimer, a gripping film about Robert J. Oppenheimer, the inventor of the atomic bomb. These special screenings on 35mm film offer a unique viewing experience. Set during World War II, Oppenheimer races against the Nazis to develop the destructive weapon that could end the conflict. This epic thriller delves into the aftermath of world-changing events. Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr, Florence Pugh, and Benny Safdie also star in this remarkable film by Nolan, known for his works like Inception, Tenet, Dunkirk, and The Dark Knight trilogy.
Date: Friday 21- 27 July 2023-07-13 Date: 18 July 2023. Location: Barbican Cinema 1, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS.Price: £13 + £1.50. Book now.
Image: Oppenheimer 2022 USA dir Christopher Nolan
Pop-ups & Venues
Summer on Canalside Festival
Join Here East every Thursday throughout July and August for a lively summer experience with free live music on Canalside. It's the perfect place to unwind after work, enjoy the sunshine, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and listen to local acts performing each week. This Thursday, George Alfie will be playing from 6pm.
Date: July and August 2023. Location: Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 14 East Bay Lane, London, E15 2GW. Website: hereeast.com
#FLOFavourites: Pick of the week
FREE EVENT OF THE WEEK
NOW Later: Draw-In
Image: © Umberto
NOW Gallery will be hosting a drawing workshop in dialogue with Simone Brewster's exhibition, The Shape of Things. This Wednesday, attendees can explore colour and form through life drawing sessions led by artists Laxmi Hussain and Frances Costelloe. Participants of all abilities are welcome, and drawing materials will be provided. The event will be accompanied by music from the Social Records Society, with DJ sets throughout the evening.
Date: 19 July 2023. Location: NOW Gallery The Gateway Pavilions Peninsula Square Greenwich Peninsula London SE10 0SQ. Price: Free. Book now.
Food of the week
Image: Sessions Arts Club. © MTotoe
Sessions Arts Club is a trendy restaurant housed in a historic Grade II listed building called Old Sessions House. Originally built in the late 18th century as the nation's largest courthouse, it now showcases contemporary art and blends old and new elements to create a glamorous and decadent atmosphere. The restaurant offers a seasonal European menu with a focus on British, French, and Italian cuisine. Highlights include Lovage, goat’s curd & yolk, Panine with pea and Parmesan, Hake with courgette and basil, and a delicious almond cake with lemon curd and cream. In addition, it features a charming terrace for outdoor dining. Due to its popularity, it is advisable to make reservations well in advance.
Location: Old Sessions House, 24 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0NA. Instagram: @sessionsartsclub.
Interview of the Week
In conversation with Megan Piper
Image: Megan Piper
Megan Piper is the co-founder and director of The Line, a public art project in east London, established in 2015. Prior to setting up The Line, she had a gallery in London’s Fitzrovia, where her exhibition programme focused on rediscovering and re-evaluating artists whose careers started in the 1960s and 70s.
Click here to read the full interview.
Cause of the Week
City of Sanctuary UK
Image: City of Sanctuary UK
City of Sanctuary UK strives to construct a more welcoming UK for individuals compelled to flee their homes. They coordinate and support networks of welcome, collaborating with diverse organisations, schools, and councils to foster inclusivity, solidarity, and compassion. Through practical training, resources, and awards, they encourage a culture of sanctuary throughout the country. Established in 2005, City of Sanctuary UK has inspired numerous communities to achieve Sanctuary status, cultivating an environment of hospitality for those seeking refuge.
There are numerous ways to get involved and support the City of Sanctuary network, such as donating, staying up to date, joining local groups, starting your own group, fundraising, campaigning, contacting your MP, talking to your Local Authority, volunteering, hosting, and exploring community sponsorship options. Click here to discover more.
Website: cityofsanctuary.org
Upcoming events
Barbiecore at Rooftop Film Club
Calling all Barbie fans! Rooftop Film Club in Peckham will be transforming their rooftop into a pink paradise in August. Get ready to immerse yourself in Barbiecore as you watch the latest Barbie movie surrounded by palm trees and pool inflatables.
Date: 10 - 13 August 2023. Location: 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, London SE15 4ST. Price: from £16.95. Book now.
As ski season kicks off, resorts like St. Moritz, Gstaad, Courchevel, Aspen, Whistler, and Verbier are becoming vibrant cultural destinations. Beyond world-class slopes, these hotspots offer a range of art exhibitions and outdoor sculptures. This guide highlights the must-see art exhibitions this winter across Europe, the US, and Japan…