Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
Another amazing selection of items from the Royal Collection has been compiled and presented to the public at The Queen’s Gallery, this beautiful space really is one of my favourite places to visit. Whatever the theme of the exhibition, there is always lots of interest to be seen and learned from. For this show, the four or five rooms and spaces contain a fascinating selection of photographs from the Royal Collection taken over the past century, since photography was first used to depict the Royals. Many famous photographers’ work is on view here, including that of Cecil Beaton (always the Queen Mother’s favourite), Baron (Prince Philip’s favourite), David Bailey, Lord Snowdon, Patrick Lichfield, Rankin, Annie Leibovitz and Dorothy Wilding, who famously stuck to her principle of only photographing children even when Princess Elizabeth married, had children and became Queen and wanted her to continue photographing her, as well as other lesser-known photographers. There are many photographs that have never previously been seen by the public, and various examples showing the process whereby contact sheets would be submitted to the Palace, sometimes with suggestions for editing or cropping for official photographs, Christmas cards or family favourites.
No photography is allowed in this exhibition and, sadly, there is no catalogue or accompanying book for copyright reasons, so the visitor must take in all the details of each photograph, whether it is an often-seen classic or captures a unique moment, and then remember its sheer beauty.
On until Sunday 6 October 2024. The Gallery is open daily from 10.00 am to 5.30 pm until 31 August, thereafter closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tickets cost £19 for adults but, by getting the ticket stamped and dated, it becomes a pass allowing you to return free of charge for all future exhibitions for a year from that date. An informative audioguide is included in the price. There is also a shop next to the gallery selling comestibles such as biscuits, teas, chocolates, preserves and alcohol, household and bathroom goodies like teatowels and soaps, porcelain items, music, books and replica jewellery—all excellent suggestions for birthday or Christmas presents.
British Sculpture: 20th and 21st Century Art at Portland Gallery, 3 Bennet Street, London SW1A 1RP
This beautiful exhibition is well worth a visit if you are in St James’s and have fifteen to twenty minutes to spare. There are nearly thirty small sculptures—only one or two approach life-size—available to purchase, a lovely collection of some of the best recent works by British sculptors, including one each by Henry Moore, Elisabeth Frink and Lyn Chadwick; three each by Philip Jackson, Peter Randall-Page, David Williams-Ellis and Marzia Colonna; and four by Jess Wallace. Each exhibit is simply presented on a white plinth and the two rooms, one downstairs, are a nice size to navigate. Also on show are works by Bill Jacklin, with beautiful monotypes available to purchase.
On until Sunday 4 August 2024. Free to visit. Portland Gallery are artists’ agents handling many established and up-and-coming artists and late artists’ estates, including that of Mary Fedden. Their website is www.portlandgallery.com, where forthcoming exhibitions are listed.
Yinka Shonibare CBE: Suspended States
Minsuk Cho: Mass Studies – Serpentine Pavilion 2024
Yayoi Kusama: Pumpkin all at or near Serpentine Gallery South, Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
Yinka Shonibare’s first London solo exhibition for over twenty years is largely a collection of fibreglass sculptures of historical figures such as Queen Victoria, Winston Churchill, King Henry VIII and Lord Kitchener from Britain’s imperial past, reproduced and then covered with the colourful patterned wax-print cotton typical of the artist, whose Nigerian roots form such a major part of his work. There are also several abstract shapes and pictures that are fascinating, with beautiful colour combinations. In the final room Shonibare has created The War Library, an installation of over 5 000 books bound in Dutch wax-print cotton with gold-lettered titles. This piece covers the history of war and peace and is certainly thought-provoking. Shonibare clearly has strong feelings about topics such as imperialism, slavery and racism, which are very evident in his work, yet the pieces can still be viewed and enjoyed at face value as clever designs with beautiful colours.
On until Sunday 1 September 2024. The Serpentine Galleries are generally open Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Free to visit, but donations are very welcome. Website www.serpentinegalleries.org for timed-entry booking and information.
Next to Serpentine South is the Summer Pavilion 2024, designed by South Korean architect Minsuk Cho. Five islands of timber stained black, connected to a circular central area to form a star with an oculus to admit light while protecting visitors from the weather, house a café, a library of unread books, a sound gallery, an auditorium and a play area. Cho’s design references past Summer Pavilions over more than twenty years in a display of history and humour. The Pavilion is not very large and, with space divided into six areas, can feel fragmented despite the central hub, yet it is always worth a visit to see what imaginative structure can be constructed in a few weeks, then dismantled at summer’s end and reconstructed elsewhere. Recent commissions require Pavilions to be green and sustainable.
Open until Sunday 27 October 2024, Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Free to all and you may bring your own food even into the café area.
Also in Kensington Gardens, to the north-east of the Round Pond, is Pumpkin 2024, the latest and largest—six metres high and five-and-a-half metres in diameter—bronze sculpture by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, renowned for her Infinity Mirror Rooms at Tate Modern until April 2024. Pumpkins have been a constant motif throughout her long career; this yellow pumpkin with black polka dots is a classic. Walking around it reveals myriad reflections and makes it irresistible for selfies.
On show until Sunday 3 November 2024.
Various exhibitions at Ice House Gallery, Holland Park, Kensington, London W8
Including Bridget Drakeford (ceramics), Irene Sanderson (paintings) and Stephanie Legard / Studio Legard (silk fabrics and paintings)
This lovely small space in the heart of Holland Park, between the café, the opera stage and the Orangery, is let to artists from spring through autumn. Most exhibitions run nine days over two weekends, opening on the first Saturday and closing on the second Sunday. I always try to visit every show, often featuring work by very small enterprises, and have bought pieces when inspired. Currently you can see Stephanie Legard’s flower paintings on paper and silk scarves until Sunday 21 July. After forty years as a commercial fabric designer, she now produces unique, beautiful works. Previously Bridget and Irene shared the space for their ceramics and paintings, which I much enjoyed. I look forward to upcoming artists. If you are near Holland Park, do see what is on at the Ice House, usually open daily 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, though times may vary with the featured artist. Contact details: Bridget Drakeford www.bdporcelain.co.uk; Irene Sanderson www.irenesanderson.co.uk; Stephanie Legard www.studiolegard.com.
Recent revisits
Marc Quinn: Light into Life at Kew Gardens, TW9 3AE
On until Sunday 29 September 2024. Included in entry price (£20–24, depending on day and age, and including a donation). Members go free and may take a guest.
Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior King at the Wallace Collection, Manchester Square, London W1
I returned for a talk by Davinder Toor of the Toor Collection of Sikh Art and Dr Xavier Bray, director of the Wallace Collection. See below for my thoughts.
Regent’s Park for another visit to the Queen Mary Rose Garden on one of the very few dry and sunny summer days.
Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King at Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1
I have awaited this exhibition eagerly, and it did not disappoint. Housed in the downstairs galleries of Hertford House, it comprises five or six modest rooms. The free audioguide provides extensive context for each item.
Ranjit Singh, born in the late eighteenth century, united a vast, fractious region of Asia—including the Punjab, Afghanistan and parts of China—into a powerful empire by the early nineteenth century. Known as the Lion of Punjab, he was revered despite smallpox scarring one eye, diminutive stature, alleged illiteracy and losing his father in his teens. He secured alliances through marriages and repelled Afghan invasions while maintaining non-aggression treaties with the British.
The exhibition features many items from the Wallace’s collection and loans from Davinder Toor’s Sikh Art collection, though its home remains unclear. Displays include armour, a stunning ceremonial sword, jewellery, clothing, paintings, furniture and a golden throne loaned by the V&A, which Singh seldom used. The audioguide enriches each object’s story. I plan to revisit two or three times to master the many similar names featured. The galleries felt uncrowded, though lunchtime seems to draw visitors to the dining room.
On until Sunday 20 October 2024. Tickets £14, or £16 including a donation, with an audioguide included. Members go free. Hertford House’s permanent collection is always free, and opening hours are 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily.
Marc Quinn: Light into Life at Kew Gardens, TW9 3AE
Seventeen large installations in and around Kew’s grounds, mostly near the Temperate and Palm Houses, are crafted from polished stainless steel, rendering them almost transparent as visitors seek ideal photo angles. Quinn, one of the YBAs and creator of Alison Lapper Pregnant on Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth, also made frozen self-portraits from his own blood. This show features recent works and, in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery, smaller pieces across varied media illustrating his research into nature’s forms, complete with explanatory notes. If you visit Kew’s gardens this summer (the roses and borders are stunning), do explore Quinn’s orchid, bonsai and palm sculptures inspired by medicinal plants. I intend at least one return visit.
On until Sunday 29 September 2024. Included in Kew entry price; Members free with guest.
The Summer Exhibition at The Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1
The highlight of London’s art social scene. Open to the public from Tuesday 18 June to Sunday 18 August, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm (Fridays to 9.00 pm). Tickets £22 or £24.50 including a donation; Members free. Closed Mondays.
In June I was fortunate to attend the famous Varnishing Day procession and service at St James’s Piccadilly under somewhat false pretences. Our colleague Bernard Barker, the church organist, arranged for me to slip in upstairs behind the congregation. A steel band led the procession from the RA to St James’s of artists whose works were accepted this year, filling every inch of space. The service featured three hymns, two anthems, prayers, readings and a moving address, all beautifully accompanied by music. Thank you, Bernard.
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