London Art Guide
A look at one of the cultural capitals of the world, finishing with some must-see exhibitions running this year.
London is one of the world’s go-to arts and cultural destinations. The city houses priceless works of art by some of history’s greatest painters alongside smaller commercial and independent spaces showcasing new and upcoming artists.
From visitor favourites such as the National Gallery and the Victoria & Albert Museum to neighbourhood gems like Dulwich Picture Gallery, here’s a guide to London’s arts hub through some of the most famous paintings and photographs of the city - ending with a list of must-see exhibitions (find a full list of upcoming exhibitions here).
The city is home to an extraordinary collection of art. You can find art by Georges Seurat, Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and Titian (to name a few!) and so many more, from the renowned to emerging artists. The city offers something for everyone, whether you’re a casual art lover or a serious collector.
Museums & Galleries:
London is home to some of the world's most prestigious and well-known museums and galleries, such as the Tate Modern, The National Gallery, and The Courtauld Gallery. These institutions feature a wide range of art, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works.
Tate Modern, for example, is home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Paula Rego, and Mark Rothko - the list goes on and on. Uncover Henri Matisse’s The Snail (1953), Jackson Pollock’s Yellow Islands (1952) and Nude Girl (1909-10) by Gwen John.
Best known for its Impressionism and Post-Impressionism paintings, The Courtauld Gallery features iconic works by Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Édouard Manet. Don’t miss Claude Monet’s Autumn Effect at Argenteuil (1873) and Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s La Loge (1874) - these are not even the most famous artworks the gallery houses. Other rooms are dedicated to a collection of paintings and decorative arts from the Medieval and Early Renaissance periods alongside 20th-century art and the Bloomsbury Group.
Other notable art institutions include the Royal Academy of Arts, Tate Britain, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery. The National Portrait Gallery houses a collection of portraits of famous and historically important British people from the 16th century to the present - find portraits of Royals, politicians, and even football players.
Independent Art Spaces:
In addition to the major museums and galleries, London has a thriving independent art scene, with many small galleries and spaces showcasing emerging and established artists.
For example, the Saatchi Gallery is a contemporary art space featuring exhibitions by up-and-coming artists. One exhibition they have right now is a series of works by the 2023 Rober Walters UK New Artist prize winner - Sofia Laskari: Body and Flesh, which runs until 12th May 2024. The exhibition “invites the viewer to consider the physical and mental challenges we face as individuals.”
The Whitechapel Art Gallery in East London is another independent art space that focuses on contemporary art and hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year. East London is known for its creativity, and the Whitechapel Art Gallery only further cements and adds to this creative area. Its walls have exhibited works by modern masters such as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock, as well as being known for introducing Pop Art to the general public - in 1964, its New Generation exhibition showed works by David Hockney, Bridget Riley and Patrick Caulfield. Alongside this stellar line-up, the gallery also houses artists of today, including Gilbert + George and Lucien Freud.
Some other favourites are the Dulwich Picture Gallery, The Wallace Collection, and The Photographer’s Gallery. The Dulwich Picture Gallery in South London houses a historical collection of art, including Jean-Antoine Watteau's Les Plaisirs du Bal (1715-17), Peter Paul Rubens's The Miracle of Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1618-20), and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo’s The Flower Girl (1665-70). You can also find paintings by Thomas Gainsborough, Rembrandt, and Gerrit Dou. The gallery maintains its founding ethos that art should be accessible to everyone.
Street Art:
London is also known for its vibrant street art scene, with works by some of the world's most famous street artists, such as Banksy and Stik, adorning the city's walls. The East End of London is a particularly rich area for street art, with guided tours available for those who want to explore the scene in more detail. The Leake Street Tunnel in Waterloo is another popular destination for street art lovers, featuring a constantly changing collection of murals and graffiti.
Art Fairs:
London also hosts many major art fairs, including Frieze London and the London Art Fair. These events bring together galleries from around the world, offering visitors the chance to see and purchase works from a wide range of artists and styles.
Frieze London will take place in Regent’s Park from October 9th to 13th, 2024. It is one of the most influential art fairs in the world, focusing only on contemporary art and living artists. Running simultaneously in Regent’s Park is Frieze Masters, which presents works made before the year 2000 and focuses on thousands of years of art history.
Upcoming Exhibitions:
The Last Caravaggio at the National Gallery until 21st July 2024
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind at Tate Modern until 1st September 2024
Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron: Portraits to Dream In at the National Portrait Gallery until 16th June 2024
Soulscapes at Dulwich Picture Gallery until 2nd June 2024
Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King at The Wallace Collection until 20th October 2024
Sargent and Fashion at Tate Britain until 7th July 2024
Acts of Resistance: Photography, Feminisms and the Art of Protest at South London Gallery until 9th June 2024
The art scene in London is diverse, dynamic, and constantly evolving. The city boasts a wide range of art institutions, from the world-renowned museums and galleries exhibiting a variety of styles and genres, to the lesser-known independent art spaces showcasing emerging and experimental artists. The streets of London are also decorated with a wealth of street art, adding to the city's overall artistic appeal.
Whether you're a fan of classical art, contemporary works, or street art, you're sure to find something that captures your imagination in London's thriving art scene. With its rich history and diverse cultural influences, London is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for anyone who loves art.