Van Gogh to Kubrick – London’s Spring Exhibitions Shine Out

Love Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’? Or his mesmerizing ‘Starry Night’ painting? Then head for Tate Britain this Spring for these and many other famous Van Gogh paintings will be on display in a special exhibition devoted to his work, showing how he has influenced generations of artists. 

This is just one of several fantastic exhibitions being held in London this spring, providing the ideal opportunity for a weekend break indulging in a spot of culture.  The hardest part is deciding which ones to visit, because there is something for everyone from film to art, manga to costume.

The largest ever exhibition of manga art outside Japan is set to open this spring at the British Museum.  Many of the items on display have never been seen in Western Europe before, having never left Japan until now.  Manga has become one of the most popular forms of graphic art, influencing film, comics and books as well as drawing styles.  It has become a multi billion dollar industry.  So if manga art is to your taste, then this is definitely an exhibition not to be missed.  There are countless drawings and art work by top Manga artists, film stills, and even an opportunity to enter a rendering of the oldest surviving manga bookshop in Tokyo and meet manga editors. Try on costumes and visit a special photo-booth. 

You can also read: Best Museums in London

Enjoy a good breakfast at your Kensington hotel restaurant and head over at the V&A museum in South Kensington, the shining stars of Christian Dior and Mary Quant shine out in two headline exhibitions.  Both designers have had a revolutionary impact on fashion and design, albeit from different decades and different styles.  From the romanticism of Christian Dior’s New Look’s whirling florals and fluttery skirts, to the geometric designs and mini skirts of Mary Quant, these two exhibitions provide a fantastic opportunity to see how the designers created their garments, devised ideas and influenced generations of fashionistas while enjoying the sight of hundreds of vintage garments and accessories.

Also, just a short stroll from Park City Hotel London in Kensington is an exhibition devoted to another cultural shining star – Stanley Kubrick.  Iconic films like A Clockwork Orange and 2001: A Space Odyssey have been incredibly influential and he in turn was influenced by the London places and locations he knew so well.  Find out about his work, discover his techniques and what made his work so iconic, as this exhibition at the Design Museum contains many props, costumes and artifacts rarely seen in public. Equally mesmerizing and entertaining is the V&A’s Museum of Childhood exhibition entitled Pirates Life for Me.  Enjoy the activities of fictional pirates like Captain Hook and Captain Pugwash, laugh at their adventures and admire the artwork.  Not far away at the Museum of London is another fun exhibition, perfect for families and anyone who loves animals as this is where you can discover the animals like lions, elephants, rats and pigeons that have shaped the city and its beastly history.  Voicing the animals are actors like Nish Kumar, Joe Pasquale and Angelica Bell ensuring that this is one of the most immersive and lively exhibitions around this spring.