Blue Pages: Hermès Maison Bond Street, To Kill a Mockingbird & The Lonely City at 10

They’re talking about a heatwave taking over the city. Some people are even fleeing to cooler places like… Italy and the South of France. Or perhaps in the air conditioned salons of major art galleries and theatres. Because for as much as I love the sunshine and the heat, inevitably, my fellow rabbits and I will be seeking some comfort indoors, protecting our pasty skin from what most other nations experience as a regular summer’s day.

There are reasons to go indoors, too. Most exciting is the opening of Hermès’ New Bond Street maison, which has taken years to finish and is certain to be a sanctuary of timeless, beautiful taste, adorned with the house’s cultural touchpoints. I’ll never forget wandering the Paris maison as a young exchange student there. Now, we’ll have one to rival it in London—a place of magic, creativity, and history.

Once that’s ticked off the list, read below to learn what else is hot this week in London.

– Chris Cotonou, Deputy Editor

To honour the legacy of late French-Iranian filmmaker Marjane Satrapi, Ciné Lumière hosts a screening of her celebrated work, Persepolis. The film translates her childhood memories into a universal story of freedom and resilience. A poignant act of freedom on the big screen. It’s been an important work since first being released as a graphic novel, and this will be a special, and rare, way to experience the film adaptation—a masterpiece in itself. Saturday, 27th June. (CC). Cine Lumiere, 17 Queensberry Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2DW

We’re heading to New Bond Street this week to see one of the most exciting unveilings in the city. New Bond Street has no shortage of luxury landmarks, but Hermès has raised the bar with the opening of Maison Bond Street, a spectacular new flagship that brings a new level of craftsmanship, heritage and creativity to London’s Mayfair district. Replacing the brand’s former flagship, the five-floor space is one of only six Hermès Maisons in the world. Designed by Denis Montel and Rena Dumas Architecture Intérieure, the 55-room townhouse blends 19th-century character with contemporary design, showcasing everything from iconic leather goods and artworks to artisan repair workshops. Set across six Grade II listed buildings, it’s a celebration of the Hermès universe. (CC). Maison Bond Street, 166 New Bond Street, W1S 2UA.

I love Gallery44. It’s a secret house-turned-studio in Primrose Hill. In The Living Room brings together artists Betty C Fan and Hannah Dowling for a one-off live performance blending improvised soundscapes, live writing, handmade instruments and audience participation. Set within the intimate surroundings of Gallery44, the work unfolds as a spontaneous exchange shaped by sound, language and presence. Visitors are invited to contribute words and reflections, becoming part of this unique, unrepeatable event. (CC). Gallery44, 44 Chalcot Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8LS. 24 June, 9pm.

We’re very excited about this. Aaron Sorkin’s award-winning stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird returns to the West End for a limited summer run. The acclaimed production explores racial injustice, childhood innocence and the pursuit of truth through the story of lawyer Atticus Finch, who challenges a community determined to conceal the truth. Richard Coyle (The Player Kings, Macbeth, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) reprises his critically acclaimed role as Atticus Finch, following his acclaimed 2022 West End performance in the production. (CC). 25 June - 12 September 2026, Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DA

I was in New York last week which by a stroke of good fortune coincided with the Knicks NBA win and a parade that turned the city blue and orange. It also coincided with the 10th anniversary of The Lonely City, Olivia Laing’s 2016 memoir, which is set in New York and explores loneliness and human connection (or its lack) through artists such as Andy Warhol, Nan Goldin, David Wojnarowicz and Edward Hopper (in another coincidence, I was staying at The Standard High Line which is located opposite the Whitney Museum—the institution with which Hopper is most associated). I loved reading The Lonely City 10 years ago, and cherished listening to its new audiobook, narrated by Tilda Swinton, as I wandered around the city on the longest day of the year. (Kitty Grady, Digital Editor), The Lonely City, narrated by Tilda Swinton is available now

Talking of The Standard High Line… as I mentioned I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days there during my recent stay in New York. As well as elegantly simple decor, my room had wonderful floor-to-ceiling windows with views across the city (see above) that I could honestly have stared out of from dawn till dusk (my bathtub also handily enjoyed the same perspective). When I could drag myself away, I managed to make the most of the area. Located in the heart of the Meatpacking District (with excellent shopping options), The Standard High Line enjoys direct access to the eponymous High Line walk and is a short walk to the West Village as well as Chelsea for gallery hopping. In the evening, The Standard Grill is a perfect option for New York brasserie vibes and Le Bain rooftop bar is an even more perfect place to enjoy the sunset. I certainly hope I’ll be back. (KG). The Standard High Line, 848 Washington Street, New York, NY10014.

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