When you first think of London, you more than likely think of the great British icons of red double-decker buses and telephone boxes, the Queen and Big Ben. What you may not connect to London is its arts scene. London has a diverse and rich arts scene that straddles the historical to the modern. So, if you are planning a trip to London, make a point of exploring this fascinating city to unearth its public and hidden treasures.
Galleries
Whether you are a devotee of the Old Masters or a buff for contemporary art, London has an art gallery to meet your requirements. The National Gallery, which is located on Trafalgar Square, is a huge space that is filled with pieces by world-famed artists: da Vinci, Van Gogh, Botticelli, and Renoir to name but a few. The smaller galleries give you an opportunity to satisfy your art hunger in more intimate spaces, and you will find that the staff are knowledgeable and more than happy to talk to you about the art on display.
Street Art
If you want to feel and experience art within the context of the urban environment, London has some amazing street art that sits alongside the historic buildings creating a juxtaposition that you can only dream of. Banksy is possibly the most famous of the world’s street artists, and there are still some examples of his work in situ; his fame has meant that many of his works have been vandalized or even stolen.
Restaurants
With technological innovations comes creativity, and Instagram has caused a surge in restaurants who have taken their interiors to a new level. The aesthetic appeal of the establishment being as important as the food that they serve. If you are on your own but don’t want to dine alone, London escorts arranged by Dior Escorts will join in these stunning restaurants. Check out Sketch and Ella Canta in Mayfair; seeing is believing.
Fashion
London is synonymous with fashion through the ages: Mary Quant, Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. Your personal style will dictate where you naturally gravitate to shop for clothes.
If you are looking for unique, vintage pieces, London has amazing markets that you will love to explore, from the established daily markets in Camden to the new ventures of Netil Market in South Hackney. If high-end luxe is more your style, Cabbages and Frocks is a market located in Marylebone where you’ll find artisans’ and up-and-coming designers’ stalls between the more recognizable brands on the stalls. There is always an opportunity to increase the size of your closet, as you find these hidden treasures. Be warned though, you may have to exercise some restraint!
Art is all around you, you just need to have your eyes open to the possibilities. So, whether your inclination is more geared towards the traditional arts, or you can see beauty in the street art that is present in every city, take time out of your schedule to enjoy it, no matter where you are. Beauty is, after all, in the eye of the beholder.