ARE you thinking about making a trip to see some of London's finest galleries?
As an epicentre of world culture, and full of history, London galleries are often praised as a top spot for tourists and London residents alike. There are, however, simply too many galleries and London attractions to see during a short trip to the UK’s capital. It helps, therefore, to do some research before heading into town.
The best way to decide which of London’s galleries is best is identifying your personal taste. You may be a photography buff or love to be carried back in time gazing at oil-painted portraits. Consider visiting one of these top galleries for your next London visit.
The Tate Britain
If you enjoy British art, then you will like the Tate Britain. This gallery boasts a collection dating from 1500 to the present day. It is known to be the most comprehensive collection of its kind in the world.
The main displays here show a permanent collection of British art and some contemporary work. Rooms are dedicated to Tracey Emin, John Latham, Douglas Gordon and Sam Taylor-Wood.
Situated on Milibank in London, the Tate Britain has been open since 1897. It is most noted for its collection of work from J.M.W. Turner, an English Romantic landscape painter, water-colourist and printmaker.
The Tate Modern
Another gallery of the Tate network, the Tate Modern is known as Britain’s national gallery of international modern art. This gallery showcases a range of contemporary works from 1900 to the present day.
The gallery itself sets the stage for its modern collection, as it is housed in the former Bankside Power Station in North Southwark. The Tate Collection can be seen on display on levels three and five of the building. Level four showcases large temporary exhibitions while level two displays a small exhibition space with work by contemporary artists.
The National Gallery
With high ceilings and grand entrances, walking into the National Gallery is like entering a grand hall of wonders where large paintings cover entire walls. If you want to take your time and relax on the provided benches while perusing a national collection of Western European painting, then this might be for you.
Paintings range from the 13th to the 19th centuries and cover a range of styles. This includes works from Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Botticelli, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir, Cezanne and Van Gogh to name but a few.
You can also look forward to special exhibitions, video and audio-visual programmes, lectures as well as guided tours and holiday events for all ages.
The Serpentine Gallery
With both modern and contemporary art, the Serpentine Gallery is definitely one of London’s more popular galleries. Located in Kensington Gardens, the gallery is known for its exhibitions, architecture, education and public programmes.
Artists who have been exhibited at the Serpentine include Man Ray, Henry Moore, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Paula Rego, Bridget Riley, and Allan McCollum.
Visitors enjoy an attractive showcase for contemporary architecture on the gallery’s lawn, since the gallery commissions international architects to design the pavilion.
The Photographer’s Gallery
The largest public gallery in London dedicated to the art of photography can be found on Ramilies Street, Soho. The Photographer’s Gallery is the first independent gallery in Britain devoted to photography. Showcases have featured the works of Danny Treacy, Taryn Simon, Ori Gersht and David King. You can find all kinds of photography here from budding talent to well-known artists.
Once you have decided what to do in London, all you need to do is get there. Grab a coffee, browse the gift shops, bring a sketchbook and enjoy one masterpiece after another.
