London Art in Review is an art review retrospective authored by Eddie Saint-Jean. It highlights London’s diverse visual arts and the changing face of the gallery landscape over the years, chaptering his personal journey as a seasoned arts reviewer. You’ll find it offers a unique perspective on London’s art scene.
Eddie Saint-Jean is an arts and culture writer, and editor of London-focused magazine WHLondon. Having gathered specialist knowledge on London over the years, he writes articles and guides on the capital’s cultural attractions – and authored The London Book of CHURCHES, The London Book of PALACES, The London Book of PARKS, The London Book of ROMAN SITES and The London Book of RAILWAYS.
St Dunstan-in-the-East – Is it a church, a park, an architectural attraction? Well, it’s kind of all three
Located a few minutes from Tower Hill tube station, this hidden gem public garden is an atmospheric beauty spot with centuries of history. Check out my video, photos & article here. The church/park also features in two of my books: The London Book of CHURCHES, and The London Book of PARKS.
Also, check out my new photo – history book format below
June 2024 marked the 130th anniversary of the construction and opening of Tower Bridge. The City of London Corporation celebrated this historic year with a summer-long exhibition on Tower Bridge documenting the project. The photos in my new book Tower Bridge: The 130th Anniversary, taken June-July 2024, are also a celebration of the anniversary and offer an interesting contrast to the Victorian photos of the opening.
London’s Cultural Hubs
Somerset House
Somerset House is a sprawling arts complex with a fascinating history. This neoclassical-Georgian building forms a grand-looking quadrangle with an equally grand courtyard and hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. Centuries ago, its undoubted magnificence attracted illustrious occupants like Elizabeth I and Admiral Horatio Nelson was a visitor.
Read my article to find out more about Somerset House’s architecture.
Within its grounds you’ll find the Courtauld Gallery which has a permanent collection of Impressionist and Post Impressionist works. The Art Cafe just opposite the gallery is perfectly located for a coffee break or lunch.
For more about the Courtauld Gallery’s Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, read my article
Southbank
Southbank’s blocky Brutalist architecture is its stand-out feature and gives it the look of a dystopian kingdom quite separate from the rest of London. It’s an iconic cultural hub – a centre for art, film, theatre, poetry and the performing arts.
In Southbank you’ll find the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, BFI Southbank, the National Theatre, the Hayward Gallery and a buzzing second-hand book market under the bridge, just opposite BFI Southbank.
For more about Southbank’s Brutalist architecture, read my article – and also my photo article.
Check out my London Books for more about:
London’s museums
London’s churches
London’s architecture
London’s amazing nature spots and parks
Interested in London’s parks? Read my article on the Royal Parks or my book on London’s Parks.
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