Arts & Culture
Originally published on Tuesday, 1st May 2012
The Culturist: April
Despite the incessant rain (has it stopped…?), we’re attempting to look to summer at UJ HQ. We’ve got a proverbial pick and mix of May-time events for you, with a heavy helping of fashion (both a Louboutin and Hermès exhibition), photography (Terry O’Neill), and fashion photography (Rankin), as well as some options to escape city life: Cowley Manor, IMS, Venice or Indian pop up Bukhara. None of these appeal? Then surely a trapeze school in Regent’s Park will.
PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY O’NEILL INFAMOUS
May 1 - June 8, free
5-7 Dover Street, W1S+4LD
Raquel Welch on the cross; Brigitte Bardot, cigarette in mouth, windswept hair across her face. Both are iconic images by British photographer Terry O’Neill, whose Infamous exhibition will showcase his most powerful shots to date, including unseen works. His intimate, backstage reportage-style shots span all types of celebritydom from 60s rockstars and 70s babes to Winston Churchill.
FASHION: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN AT THE DESIGN MUSEUM AND HERMÈS LEATHER FOREVER
Christian Louboutin May 1 - July 9, £10
Design Museum, Shad Thames, SE1 2YD
Hermès May 8 - May 27, Free
6 Burlington Gardens, W1S
Two legendary French fashion houses exhibit this month. First up is Christian Louboutin at the Design Museum, where 20 years of intricate design and red-soled style will be celebrated. Then there’s Hermès Leather Forever: 12 interactive rooms complete with saddles, silk scarves, Kellys, Birkins and presentations from craftspeople straight from the Paris workshop. They’ve even created four unique bags (one for England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales) to mark the occasion.
ESCAPE: THE RCA SCULPTURE EXHIBITION AT COWLEY MANOR
May 3 - September 30, rooms from £175
Cowley Manor, Cowley, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NL
Whether it’s an out-of-city picnic or a May Day break you’re after, make Cowley Manor your destination. The country house hotel sits in the Cotswold countryside, and has partnered with the Royal College of Art and Coutts this summer to commission a sculpture competition - the best submissions will be displayed through the 55 acre gardens of the house. We say, make a trip of it and stay (go for a split level room in the stable block, and make use of the chic C-Side spa and indoor/outdoor pools).
INTERNATIONAL: PALAZZINAG VENICE POP UP
May 11 - 14, packages (including 2 nights and access to all parties) from €1850
San Marco 3247, 30124 Venice, Italy
To book for events call 020 7405 5838 or email
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Nothing says summer more than a regatta. Good job Venice is hosting the America’s Cup Regatta this month then. Apart from the obvious race-watching, this means party time. Phillipe Starck’s PalazzinaG Hotel have a goody: an exclusive three day event which will see DJ Kitt Proudfoot (of The Box and The Arts Club in London and Blue Marlin and KM5 in Ibiza) provide the soundtrack, Brigitte Armengos (Space, Pacha) head the entertainment, while Luigi Francella takes on the food with an exciting Venetian menu. All against a backdrop of Phillipe Starck’s modern-meets-lavish design and the Grand Canal.
FOOD: BUKHARA POP UP
May 17 - June 1
101 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RN
To book call 020 8045 0715 or email
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Renowned New Delhi restaurant Bukhara visits London this May for a pop up directed by designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia (who was also behind the recent Agyness Deyn short film for The Luxury Collection). Expect intimate dining and rustic cooking from northwestern India: the original restaurant is known for its marinated, tandoor-cooked meats and giant naans. The booking line is now open.
SHOP: RANKIN CONTAINS NUDITY AT OTHER CRITERIA
May 10 - June 21, Hunger Magazine £4.95
Other Criteria, 14 Hinde Street, W1U 3BG
Again with the nude. Other Criteria presents Contains Nudity, an exhibition of Rankin’s most celebrated female nude works, in their new photography room. The 12 prints will be available to buy, and the exhibition coincides with the launch of the second issue of Rankin’s fashion and lifestyle magazine Hunger. Alongside the nude shots there’ll be images from the new issue on show, as well as one portrait of the Queen thrown in for good measure.
LAST CHANCE: IBIZA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SUMMIT
May 23 - 25, €320
biza Gran Hotel, Passeig de Joan Carles I,
17 07800 Ibiza Town, Spain
With only 500 delegate badges available and the dates fast approaching, it’s high time you booked IMS if you’re in the biz. Speakers include DJs (Diplo, Luciano, Loco Dice, Paul Oakenfold) and big name executives from the likes of Twitter, Youtube, Vice, Foursquare and Creamfields, while topics range from emerging markets and Ibiza’s year of change to publishing and technology. And then there’s the opening parties…
SWING: GORILLA CIRCUS
Until September 2, 2-hour classes £23.50
Regent’s Park, Outer Cir (by Ave Road), NW1
There’s a first time for everything. Including flying trapeze classes in Regent’s Park. London’s only outdoor trapeze school has set up for the summer. Go for a much-needed adrenalin boost, some outside the box exercise and great views of London all rolled into one. There are two-hour drop in sessions for beginners, while high fliers should try a full-on four week course (but don’t quit the day job).
