Autumn Gloom and Artistic Bloom: Upcoming Events & Exhibitions to Visit in London
Isabel Balkhi, MA Social Anthropology and Persian
As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, it can be difficult to find new and exciting things to do in the cold of the Autumn and Winter months, rather than being wrapped up tightly in a blanket at home. Though if there is one thing that’s true about London, it’s that you never run out of things to see and places to be. Now is the perfect time to visit the unique array of galleries, theatres and museums that the city has to offer.
The William Morris Gallery offers the ideal combination of comfort and curiosity. Along with the delicious farmers' market that runs weekly on Saturdays, the gallery opens up its stunning collection of medieval-style tapestries, 19th-century furniture, and the iconic William Morris designs, all within the comfort of Morris’ childhood home in Walthamstow. The gallery also showcases the lesser-known parts of Morris’ life, namely his profound love for poetry and writing, the inspired work of his apprentices, and his passionate commitment to political activism. Having visited at the start of October, I can confidently say that the gallery is a beautiful hidden gem. The accompanying park situated behind the house also provides a nice spot to walk around and enjoy the delights of the Lloyd Park food market.
Equally notable is Tate Britain’s new and thrilling ‘Lee Miller’ exhibition, which takes us into the early days of Miller’s life as a model in the 1920s and her later career as a successful war and fashion photographer for Vogue. With displays of around 250 photographs and prints, including the renowned image of Miller sitting in Hitler’s abandoned bathtub, the exhibition powerfully captures both her audacious spirit and unique ability to showcase life through a surrealist-inspired lens. I often recommend exhibitions at the Tate museums to anyone under 25 due to the Tate Collective’s generous scheme that offers highly sought-after tickets to all their events and exhibitions at a reduced price of £5 (including the Lee Miller exhibition!).
Alongside its galleries and museums, London’s wide range of West End and independent productions also provides the prime opportunity to be entertained by the city’s many talents at a particularly low fee for students. The Young Vic is currently showing ‘Entertaining Mr Sloane’, featuring actors Tamzin Outhwaite and Rizzle Kicks star Jordan Stephens. Though I found the play a tad tedious and drab, their discounted student tickets were undoubtedly a bargain and the venue’s charming bar is perfect for a nice drink and chat during the intervals. Additionally, if you’re more interested in the dramatic worlds of opera and ballet, the Royal Ballet and Opera Hall’s Young RBO scheme for under-25s is one to check out. With £30 tickets to some of its best dances and performances, including the current production of ‘Like Water for Chocolate’, this option is one to consider during the darker nights of the Winter season when your energy levels may have dropped.
Overall, it’s clear that the options for entertainment and wonder are endless in the great city of London - but the days, unfortunately, are limited. Now is the time to make the most of the finest talents and notable events on show this coming Autumn and Winter.
