while you're ahead…

I rarely get to visit London, too rarely in fact, so going for two days in a row last week, felt like a big treat and reminded me that it’s not really that far and I should be more organised and less lazy and visit more often… Yes, it’s mad busy. Yes, I end up walking for too long… but it’s so vibrant and inspiring and buzzing.

Sigh.

This time I joined No 2 child’s art trip – who’s officially not a child because he’s driving! (watch out) – and had a fabulous time. (I did ask and was ‘allowed’ to go. Very gracious of him. He has great teachers and young people are fun to be with, AND me and No 2 had a lovely time too. Bonus. This post might end up being very photo-heavy… but it was that kind of day… visual stimulation galore.

First stop the Tate Modern.

First exhibition: Dora Maar. She had a fascinating life… worth looking up.

She learnt her trade from Man Ray, she was a WWII photographer, a model… I mean… you name it. She’s done it. Awesome.

Next up, something totally different – which is why I love the Tate so much – June Nam Paik, one of the first ‘electronic’ artist… if that’s what you want to call him. He was a visionary, playful, deep… Fascinating to learn about him.

We had some free time to wonder around the rest of the gallery…

… and I popped in quickly to visit Ed Ruscha.

The view from the top terrace was glorious!

We then strolled along the Embankment, past the National Theatre…

…. to Somerset House

… to visit a ‘mushroom exhibition’. Not as daft as it sounds… but it was crazy crowded so hard to really enjoy.

AND THEN… to get the absolute most of our day we walked to the National Portrait Gallery to see the Taylor Wessing Photography Portrait Prize. Absolutely stunning.

And then it was time to go home…

… till next time, London!