"In London, love and scandal are considered the best sweeteners of tea"
(John Osborn)
National Gallery
The National Gallery, home of Western European Art 1250 - 1900. This is the National Gallery which means that the paintings belong to us. How lucky we are to have a vast range of work that is likely to appeal to everyone. Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Titian, Rubens, Boticelli are among the master painters whose work covers the walls of the gallery. Each painting tells a story. Let London Undone delve deeper behind the paint to reveal the secrets of the artist, the history, the techniques and the subject and each painting will come to life.
Tate Britain and Tate Modern
Both Tate Galleries are worth a visit for different reasons. The Tate Modern alone is worth a gander if only to be in awe of its cathedral-like space (the Turbine Hall). If you are not interested in modern art, you will be impressed by its home. Where possible, London Undone can undo the enigmas of some of the pieces on display here for you. The Tate Britain also boasts a riverside location and is a real favourite. British artists work are displayed in this purpose built gallery. The Pre-Raphaelites have a strong presence in the gallery, but it is the lesser known works that visitors often over look that London Undone would also like to share with you.
Museum of London
The Museum of London is a "must visit" site for anyone wanting to discover the heritage and history of one of the world's greatest cities - London! With a recent re-fit, the museum is a joy to visit. The story of London is brought to life here. London Undone would like to point out a few of the exhibits on display here that really highlight why this is a great place to live, to visit and to learn more about. London Undone likes to combine a City of London walk with a trip to the Museum of London. This is a good visit especially for corporate or school groups.
National Portrait Gallery
This is a fascinating gallery for art lovers and historians alike. London Undone can introduce you to the great and the good, the bad and the ugly at the National Portrait Gallery. A vast collection of paintings, photographs and sculptures spanning centuries is the perfect place to introduce "art" to anyone unfamiliar with it! London Undone will peel back the layers of the personality whose portrait we are looking at, but also will reveal secrets about artist behind the easel. Sometimes the artist's talent eclipses the sitter! London Undone loves taking visitors around this gallery because it seems to always attract our fascination with celebrity and psychology.
Courtauld Gallery
Located inside the popular 18th century Somerset House, the Courtauld Gallery has a lot of expectation hanging on its shoulders! It does not disappoint. If you are interested in impressionist and post impressionist art or early renaissance painting then you will be enthralled. International masterpieces are presented on a personal scale here at the Courtauld Gallery. You can only really enjoy the collection at a gentle pace because the gallery has a quiet serenity about it. London Undone's favourite painting is housed in the Courtauld Gallery and would like to share it with you.
British Museum, the World
This may be called the British Museum, but this is a museum of the world. London is the best place to house this collection because it is the most multi-cultural city in the world. The British Museum's collection has inspired generations of writers and artists. The vast display introduces us to the world's greatest civilizations stretching back millennia. London Undone wants to bring to life some of the highlight pieces in here, including the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon frieze and the Portland Vase. A tour of the Museum will open your mind to the history of human existence.
Wallace Collection
It is a real treat to discover a quiet London square in central London. It is more of a delight to discover that on that square is a beautiful old mansion. Furthermore you discover you can go into the mansion and have a good snoop around. Even better, once you're inside, you discover that the mansion is home to some of London's most exquisite works of art from the 18th century, porcelain, furniture and armour. London Undone will show you more if you want to learn more.
Foundling Museum
This is a real "off the beaten track" museum that can't fail to move you because this museum remembers the story of London's abandoned children (foundlings) and the story of Thomas Coram who wanted to give them hope. Coram's plight to find money and interest in the foundling cause brought about the founding of the first public art gallery in London. This makes the Museum a fascinating place to learn about social history in London through works of art. As a huge supporter of the organisation, George Frederic Handel put on performances in aid of the Foundling Hospital and his story is also remembered inside this fascinating museum.
Imperial War Museum, Cabinet War Rooms
Both the Imperial War Museum and the Cabinet War Rooms are fascinating to anyone with an interest in modern military history. Both of these museums are fully interactive. The Imperial War Museum will reveal stories of courage, defiance, strength and weaknesses. The displays range from tanks and aeroplanes to personal letters and poignant paintings. The Cabinet War Rooms give us an idea what life was like in Churchill's underground bunker/ home during the second world war. It is a fascinating insight into how the war was run. Both museums are well loved by Londoners and foreign visitors alike and London Undone would like to show you why.
London Transport Museum
The history of transport in London is vital to the understanding of the city as a whole. Getting around town has never been easy, and yet, as an ancient city, London has always looked for better ways to move us from place to place. This is a modern, fun and beautifully presented museum with exhibits as small as a bus ticket and as large as a railway carriage. London Undone rates this museum as one of the best in London.
Victoria & Albert Museum
Created from the profits of the Great Exhibition 1851, the museum to this day has delighted millions of people with its unusual and vast collection of crafts, arts, sculptures, jewels, beds, materials, fashions, musical instruments from around the world. Artists and craftsmen continue to draw inspiration from the beautiful objects that are on display here. London Undone loves the V&A and wants to show you the real treasures that lurk in all corners of this beautifully housed collection.
Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood
If you have children in tow, then let London Undone guide them and you around one of the hidden delights of the East End. The Museum of Childhood is fun, friendly and charming. If you love teddy bears, toy soldiers or train sets, then you and your children will spend a happy afternoon in the Museum.
