Pavia here. London is having a moment. Which I know is a ludicrous thing to say because when isn’t a global capital having a moment? But for many reasons, the city feels better than it’s ever felt in the decade since I started spending half my life here.
Yes, we’re in a cost of living crisis (but who isn’t?), and, no, we’re not entirely over the Brexit hangover. But even British politics seem to be on the upswing, thanks to the new, mediagenic prime minister, Andy Burnham. The seventh one we’ve had in ten years, he may be the one who can — maybe? hopefully? — lift the country out of its divisive political doldrums. (A girl can dream.)
Anyhow, it’s been fun to be buoyed by optimism and swept away by a strong current of craft, history, and creativity running through the exhibitions, restaurants, and hotels that are timely, new, or simply great.
Wes Anderson: The Archives — If you’ve ever wanted to step into a Wes Anderson world, you have ten days left to do it. The first exhibition dedicated to the director includes 700 pieces from his archive — props, costumes, puppets, models, notebooks, and storyboards. Design Museum, until August 16.
David Hockney: A Year in Normandy and Some Other Thoughts About Painting — The great British artist died in June, a few months after the opening of this show of new paintings created for this exhibit. The panoramic A Year in Normandie was inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, another London first coming later this year (see below). Serpentine Galleries, until August 23.
Tracy Emin: A Second Life — The outspoken artist’s comprehensive retrospective is bold, tender, bloody, and deeply moving. She hides nothing about her life, and the resulting work is searing. Tate Modern, until August 31.
After the paywall: more art, exciting flavors, and a favorite new hotel that offers luxury service at human prices.
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