Red

There is still some time to catch the Valentino exhibition at Somerset House. I enjoyed being allowed for once to get up close to the garments without any glass cabinets as barriers. Followed by a coffee at Fernandez and Wells, this makes a lovely day out. Valentino: Master of Couture is on until the 3rd of March.

Tapestries and more at Victoria Miro

We were not the only ones who wanted to see the Grayson Perry tapestries at Victoria Miro on Saturday - this is a very popular show so for quiet viewing, I would recommend going early. Great to see them for real though, my favourite is the one with the club singer pictured above. There were a few pots and drawings too.

Also on show was work by Sarah Sze which I really enjoyed. And outside there is lovely garden backing onto the canal where they serve tea and cakes.

Bauhaus at the Barbican

On Saturday we went to the Barbican to see the Bauhaus exhibition. As always, it was an extensive show with lots of interesting material. Still, I couldn't help but feel it was a touch dry. I am sure there are lots of fun, juicy stories about what really went on at the Bauhaus but I guess I will have to look elsewhere for those.

I love the Barbican. The idea of urban utopia, the Brutalist buildings only slightly softened by greenery hanging over railings from window boxes - all a bit strange, but I like it. There are often good things on at the Curve gallery with free entry. I am still sad that I missed the show with birds that played electric guitars. 

Pictures

On Saturday we went to Tate Britain to see the Picasso & Modern British Art show. On display are some very familiar works which are of course great to see for real, but also some of paintings in a very different style to Picasso's most well works. So interesting to see he produced such varied paintings. The two pictures above were wonderful. 

Alongside the Picasso works on show are paintings by British artists who have been influenced by him. Henry Moore, David Hockney and Francis Bacon are all represented. The exhibition is on until the 15th of July and I would definitely recommend going - thoroughly enjoyed it!