Absolutely spectacular! I first saw a few pieces of his work at an exhibition of at the Hayward in the mid-eighties and have been a fan ever since, it’s always exciting and visually varied but similar themes. We tagged on to a guided tour which was really insightful and well worth doing if you visit.
Maybe my favourite artist, seeing a Hepworth work is always an incredible thrill so this place is just magical for me. I’ve been several times over the years and very much look forward to my next visit!
TATE ST.IVES. Art and architecture my favourite combination! This artist had the most fascinating career progression. She was obviously completely obsessed with the creation of textures and movement first in 2D art and then in really experimental architecture. I’m definitely going to explore her work further.
FRIDA” THE MAKING OF AN ICON & TRACEY EMIN: A SECOND LIFE : TATE MODERN. I had been to the Tracey Emin exhibition when it opened in February and hadn’t enjoyed it that much but this time I went with my daughter, first to the Frida Kahlo then (after a cup of coffee) into the Tracey Emin exhibition. I really recommend doing it that way round because it was so incredible to see the parallels in their work and lives as female artists… even down to the black cats.
Having said all that we were a bit disappointed in the Frida Kahlo show, it’s always lovely to see her work but this was a bit superficial with no real insights into the image appropriation and commodification that occurs with the ‘making of an icon’.
I was really struck by the beautiful drawings and prep work. The intricate model-making is breathtaking, even when it’s MASSIVE like the pirates ship which goes right up to the ceiling! You can also try your hand at stop frame animation. An exhibition for older children and adults. Young V&A, London. On until 15 November 2026.
May 17 2026 – Open Studios season begins! We went to see friend Kev Hopper’s paintings and met so many friends there we didn’t get to any other houses!
15 May 2026 – I got free tickets for this from my Tate Membership!
Really enjoyable, showing the breadth of techniques and approaches to printmaking. I thought it would be just contemporary printmakers, but actually there were also a lot of Picasso’s and works from Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Alexander Calder caught my eye. Also had a lovely lunch sitting out on the terrace (riverside of the building).
So this was back on 8th May. I actually can’t believe I haven’t been to this annual event before, maybe put off by the venue and thinking it was more of a trade fair, it isn’t! An incredible variety of work on show, also very impressed by the inventiveness of the artist’s display stands.
Along one wall was a very long ‘hands-on’ clay table, and behind it seating, stage and screen for talks & demos. There was also a big shopping area, potters supplies etc and books. Very impressed with the amount of seating/chairs, plenty of space for chatting and coffee. Next year I will go with a friend and a budget!
The last day of May 2026, the garden has really woken up despite the hot dry weather. Most mornings I go out into the garden with my breakfast cup of tea and deadhead flowers, fill in the holes the foxes have dug overnight and even just sit and enjoy the company of beautiful plants!
I have a Tate card so will be going to this exhibition again! We went to Tate Britain last week to catch the Constable/Turner exhibition that was ending on Sunday, which to be honest we didn’t enjoy. It was extremely crowded and we found the huge canvases oppressive, the sketch work was nice though. The Hurvin Anderson exhibition was a wonderful breath of fresh air in comparison. Large canvases full of light… or very dense foliage! I’ve never been to the Carribean but he made you feel very connected.
Hurvin Andersin • Tate Britain, London • until 23 August 2026