London is a hub of fantastic culture all through the year, and this September, the city sees a diverse and fascinating range of exhibitions on display showing off creativity and inspiring ideas in a range of forms and mediums.
If you’re planning a cultural day out in the city, you’ll find many of the best exhibitions in easy reach, as most of the city’s main galleries and museums are located within central London. With great connections nearby, the Park Grand Hotel Kensington is ideally placed for a weekend away, providing a stylish place to rest and reflect before heading out on your next adventure in the city.
Discover what’s going on in the city during your visit, and read on to get the scoop on the best exhibitions around London this September.
William Blake at the Tate Britain
The beautiful space of Tate Britain will be hosting one of the most important figures from the Romantic era, with the work of visionary poet and artist, William Blake. Blake has inspired artists for generations, and this exhibition takes you deep into his rich and varied collection of work.
You’ll be able to explore over 300 original works, many of which have not been shown together publicly for over 20 years. Take a closer look at his delicate and moving watercolours and paintings, and learn more about his commitment to politics and spirituality.
The exhibition also features a unique, immersive recreation of the original room that Blake first exhibited his work in, in 1809, showing you just how the artist shared his artwork, and the impact they originally had. In another space, Blake’s works will be shown on a huge scale using digital technology, for a truly memorable experience.
The exhibition opens from 11 September at Tate Britain.
Mary Quant at the Victoria & Albert Museum
Anyone who is a keen fashion lover will know the impact that Mary Quant had on the world of style. The icon transformed youth style and started a revolution on the High Street, with provocative miniskirts and brightly coloured tights.
The exhibition takes you back in time to London in the Swinging Sixties, where you can take a closer look at the original drawings and designs by Mary Quant, that started the trend off, as well as a fantastic display of photographs featuring models and stars, including the iconic Twiggy, wearing Quant’s signature looks.
You’ll also discover over 200 original garments and accessories from the designer’s archive, giving you an intimate look at the ground-breaking sense of style she brought to youth culture.
The exhibition is perfect if you’re looking for a dose of style inspiration for yourself – and if you’re motivated to enjoy a shopping spree around London to revamp your wardrobe, make sure you treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Park Grand restaurant beforehand, to keep your energy levels up.
The Mary Quant Exhibition is on at the Victoria and Albert Museum all through September.
Smoke and Mirrors: The Psychology of Magic at the Wellcome Collection
Magic is always an intriguing and fascinating subject, and this special exhibition takes you behind the scenes, to discover just how all those mind-boggling tricks really work.
The Wellcome is a great place to learn more about the science behind everyday activities, and this exhibition gives you a closer look at the psychological quirks and characteristics that make common magic tricks possible. You’ll be able to learn how some of the most famous tricks are carried out with insightful films, as well as get the chance to see some of the most iconic props in the world of magic, including Harry Houdini’s escape box.
The exhibition also features live magic performances during the week, for a truly fun and spellbinding experience. It’s the perfect option for a fun day time date activity, so if you’re staying in London hotels with romantic packages, plan a visit to the gallery for a memorable day out.
The exhibition is on at the Wellcome Collection until 15 September and is free to visit.
Stanley Kubrick at the Design Museum
Stanley Kubrick is undoubtedly one of the most striking film directors of the 20th century, and this special exhibition gives a closer look at his visionary skills, exploring his unique approach to film making and storytelling.
You’ll see some incredible iconic scenes from films including The Shining and 2001: A Space Odyssey, as well as enjoy an exclusive insight into his creative process, with a look at rare photographs, letter and objects from his private collections.
Kubrick also had a special relationship with the city of London, both as an important film location and place of inspiration, and the exhibition is a great way of rethinking how you experience the city yourself.
The exhibition runs until 15 September (and is extremely popular…) so it’s best to book ahead.
Tim Walker: Wonderful Things at the Victoria & Albert Museum
Timed perfectly in sync with London Fashion Week, this exhibition is a must-see for fashion and design lovers. Take a journey into the magical and fascinating world of one of the most exciting and inventive fashion photographers in recent decades. Tim Walker’s work has been featured in countless glossy magazines and ground-breaking fashion campaigns, and takes you down a rabbit hole of bizarre and dreamlike inspiration.
In this charming exhibition, you’ll get to see some of his most iconic images on display, as well as getting to learn more about the artists, designers and other creative minds that inspire his style.
The exhibition also features special installations that bring his photographic work to life, as well as a series of events and talks taking place throughout the season, where you’ll get to learn more about his work.
Food and fashion are important parts of his signature style, and if you’re feeling inspired after the exhibition, indulge in a decadent Indian Afternoon Tea experience for a refined way to finish the day.
The exhibition starts on 21 September and it’s best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
