September 4, 2009
The weather’s turning but whilst summer’s dying down, London’s cultural offerings are gearing up into full throttle, with numerous upcoming festivals. The Barbican celebrates Werner Herzog with screenings over the next few weeks and Open House weekend is always a boon for curious architecture buffs. Whilst they’re not featured this week, the Design Festival and British Art Fair are also worth a look. If you missed out last time, the Pitmen Painters is having another short run at the National Theatre starting today – you’ll need to be quick to catch it. Foodies should head to Quirinale, which reopens on Monday after its summer closing – divine dishes abound.
WHAT’S ON : Tate Modern• Somerset House • Barbican • Open House weekend • National Theatre • Southbank Centre • Intelligence Squared • Quirinale
ART
Futurism @ Tate Modern
Bankside, SE1 9TG; +44 (0)20 7887 8888
This weekend is one of your few remaining chances to see the Futurism exhibition at the Tate as it closes on the 20th September. Inspired by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti’s turn-of-the-century manifesto, an ode to modernism and mechanisation, the abstract works on offer here explore those themes. Core futurists such as Giacomo Balla and Umberto Boccioni are on show, but the exhibition also touches on some works by Picasso and Duchamp.more
SHOWstudio: Fashion Revolution @ Somerset House
Strand, WC2R 1LA ; +44 (0)20 7845 4600
Fashion week is only a couple of weeks away and the shows are on the move, Somerset House being their new base. In celebration, SHOWstudio, the pioneering website set up by fashion photographer Nick Knight is showcasing a retrospective of the highly collaborative, innovative fashion films and images produced over its nine year history. Collaborations with Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Kate Moss and Bjork to name but a few, will feature. Opens September 17th more
THE HIDDEN GEM
Open House London @ various venues
19th and 20th September; +44 (0)20 3006 7008
Open House London is an annual event that gives Londoners and visitors the chance to snoop around a variety of buildings that are not normally open to the public. From icons past, present and future – the Lloyds Building, Erno Goldfinger’s Trellick Tower, the 2012 Olympic Park respectively – to the Priory Yurt in Haringey, this is a unique opportunity to see another side of architectural London. Tickets sell fast for this event so buy now. more
THEATRE
The Pitmen Painters @ National Theatre, Lyttleton
South Bank, SE1 9PX, +44 (0)20 7452 3000
Returning today to the National Theatre, after a critically acclaimed stint earlier in the year, Lee Hall’s play about the working class coal miners in the 1930s who take up art classes and become stars of the art world for one brief moment, is a beautifully illuminating production. Best known as the writer of Billy Elliot, the recurrent themes of working class attitudes, ambitions and contrasts are all here – book fast to make sure you don’t miss out. Book now
FILM
The Directorspective: Werner Herzog @ Barbican Centre
Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS; +44 (0)20 7638 8891
One of cinema’s most ambitious filmmakers, the Barbican is dedicating the next couple of weeks to screening Werner Herzog’s key works. The screening of Encounters at the End of the World, his most recent release also includes a Q&A with antartic volcanologist Clive Oppenheimer who features in the film. If you’re a big fan, take note: Intelligence Squared will be hosting an evening with Werner Herzog next month at the Southbank Centre. Opens September 12th. more
TALKS
Not strictly this weekend but upcoming so note these in your diaries. For more info on London’s intellectual life, go to our Summer Talks listing.
Wendy Cope, Seamus Heaney, Paul Muldoon, Daljit Nagra and Alice Oswald @ The Southbank Centre
Tuesday 22nd September, 7.30pm
Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
For 80 years Faber and Faber have published poetry that has made history. Wendy Cope, Seamus Heaney, Paul Muldoon, Daljit Nagra and Alice Oswald continue that tradition, reading from their own work and from their favourite Faber poets from the past. more
‘The World in 2050’ Intelligence Squared @ The Royal Geographical Society
Tuesday 22nd September, 6.15pm
96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB
What kind of world will we inhabit 40 years from now? What moral codes will we live by? Intelligence Squared in conjunction with the 21st Century School discuss the matter. Dr Ian Goldin, Dr Malcolm McCulloch, Professor Sarah Harper and Professor Julian Savulescu lead the talks. more
FOOD
Quirinale@ 1 Great Peter Street, SW1P 3LL
+44 (0)20 7222 7080
Whilst not a brand new opening, Quirinale has just reopened after taking a small summer break – regular patrons can breath easy. The popular Westminster eatery is rated as one of the best Italian restaurants in London – word has it that the Camerons are regulars. Choose from mains such as Bigoli with porcini mushrooms & duck ragú or Malloreddus with italian sausage & sardinian pecorino (we’ve heard very good things about this dish). Open from 7th September, with the introduction of Saturday evening openings, perfect for that weekend reservation. more
MORE ON LONDON?
The London destination page @ Globalista
If you’re planning a trip to London, visit the Globalista London Report to find out more information about the capital. Each of our reports is written by a resident writer and is packed full of insider tips to help guide your way around the city, as well as featuring the best in hotels, restaurants and shops that London has to offer. more
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