black&white #34: The Canton Guide to Culture
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With summer here and the school holidays fast approaching, it’s a good idea to have some cultural days out – especially with the erratic British weather. Read our guide to the museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres and book shops where you can learn, be inspired and enjoy a delicious cup of Canton tea.
The National Gallery, London
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Photograph by The National Gallery. |
Overlooking Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery houses over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. It’s home to truly iconic pieces of art, such as one of the versions of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. And although they put on exhibitions, their permanent collection is also completely free! Find out more here.
The Old Vic, London
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Photograph by The Old Vic Theatre. |
Originally the home of the English National Opera, the Sadler’s Wells dance company and the National Theatre, the Old Vic has been at the centre of the UK’s creative and theatre scene for over 200 years. And they serve Canton! As ever, they’ve got some fantastic plays currently on – check them out here.
Foyles Bookshop Charing Cross, London
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Photograph by Foyles. |
Founded in 1903, Foyles quickly became one of the Capital's most well-known literary landmarks. The Charing Cross site is their flagship store and houses over 200,000 different titles on four miles (6.5km) of shelves - the equivalent of lining one bank of the Thames with books from Battersea Power Station to the Tower of London. Check out their opening times here.
The Standard, London
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Photograph by The Standard Hotels. |
Perhaps London’s most culturally switched on hotel, The Standard is not only blessed with incredible architecture and design, it also puts on a whole host of talks, events, DJ sets and live music. They even have a library in the lobby and their own radio station. See what’s happening here.
Dorich House Museum, Kingston
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Photograph by The Dorich House Museum. |
A real hidden gem, Dorich House Museum is located in Kingston University and is the former studio home of the sculptor Dora Gordine and her husband the Hon. Richard Hare. In the spirit of Gordine’s exemplary life and career, the Museum operates as an international centre to promote and support women creative practitioners. The museum is free and open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Find out more.
St Albans Museum + Gallery, St Albans
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Photograph by St Albans Museums. |
Set in the city’s old Town Hall, St Albans Museum and Gallery is a newly created space showcasing over 2,000 years of priceless heritage and contemporary artworks – sharing local, national and world treasures with all. You can also delve deeper into the fascinating histories of the Town Hall, and tour the Assembly Room, Courtroom and Cells. More info here.
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
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Photograph by Waddesdon. |
North west of London and just east of Oxford sits Waddesdon Manor, a stunning house and gardens built over a century ago to surprise and delight the friends of Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s friends. Now the house hosts art exhibitions, talks and workshops, and concerts and theatre. It’s also home to The Five Arrows, a grade II listed boutique hotel with 16 bedrooms and a modern 2 AA rosette bar and restaurant. The perfect weekend getaway. Find out more here.
Compton Verney, Warwick
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Photograph by Compton Verney. |
Set in the parish and historic manor, Compton Verney offers 120 acres of art, nature and creativity that hosts exhibitions, events, talks and workshops – as well as beautiful grounds to walk around. The site is open Tues-Sun and day tickets start at £17 (but children go free). Discover more here.
Emmeline, Bristol
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Photograph by Spike Island. |
Emmeline Cafe in Bristol is part of two cornerstones of the Bristol art scene. They have a site at Spike Island, a contemporary art space and gallery, and another at Hamilton House, a suite of creative studios in Bristol’s Stokes Croft. And they serve up sensational grilled cheese sandwiches, salads, coffee and Canton tea. Find out more here.
Hauser & Wirth Somerset
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Photograph by Hauser & Wirth. |
Situated in the undulating hills of the West Country, Hauser & Wirth Somerset is a pioneering contemporary art gallery and multi-purpose arts, education and community centre. There’s currently a major exhibition of works by Henry Moore on, as well as a superb restaurant called Roth’s Bar & Grill serving up local and seasonal food – and of course, delicious tea! More info here.
Plymouth Arts Cinema, Plymouth
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Photograph by Plymouth Arts Cinema. |
Established in 1947, Plymouth Arts Cinema is Plymouth’s only independent cinema, showcasing world film, arthouse as well as more mainstream fare. They’re also running an Open Air Cinema at Tinside Lido during August and their cafe and bar – serving up delicious Canton tea – is also fab too. See what’s on.
Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester
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Photograph by About Manchester. |
Created in 1823, Manchester Art Gallery is a centre for civic thinking and public imagination, and strives to promote art as a means of social change. They have a permanent collection of over 5,000 objects of fine art, decorative art and costume, as well as hosting world-class exhibitions throughout the year such as Dandy Style: 250 years of British Men’s Fashion. See what’s on.
The Hepworth, Wakefield
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Photograph by Hepworth Wakefield. |
Named after the iconic art Barbera Hepworth, The Hepworth Wakefield is an award-winning art gallery in the heart of Yorkshire. It presents major exhibitions of international modern and contemporary art – as well as having dedicated permanent galleries exploring Hepworth’s art and working process. And the building itself is a feat of architectural genius. Discover more.
So, whether you fancy a world class art exhibition or a day out at a historic manor, make sure you can get a good cup of tea at the end of it. Our fantastic trade partners have got you covered.
