The work of artist David Hockney is celebrated in a new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. David Hockney: Drawing From Life interprets his work through the mirror of the friends and lovers has used as muses and artistic subjects through his near seven-decade career. Together with an emphasis on rarely-seen drawings from the early part of his career, this approach offers a unique insight into the working life of an artist often...
A trip to Iceland promises spectacular landscapes, wildlife adventures and maximum ‘hygge’ A rugged and green country filled with spectacular glaciers, waterfalls and volcanoes, Iceland consistently tops lists of the ‘World’s Happiest Countries’—in fact it’s exactly the sort of place you might choose to visit to seek refuge from the endless news cycle which is currently stressing us all out. And Iceland will welcome you at any time—while the tourist season peaks in the summer, it...
An annual showcase of contemporary work, Goldsmiths’ Fair is a highlight of the jewellery calendar. Arts & Collections visited the Autumn event to meet the artists collectors won’t want to miss ‘Personality is stronger in British silver than anywhere else in the world,’ said Graham Hughes, Art Director of the Goldsmiths’ Company from 1951-81. This sentiment was on full display in the striking silhouettes present at this year’s annual Goldsmiths’ Fair, a showcase that brings...
The Omega Seamaster has long been the timepiece of choice for the world’s most beloved spy: James Bond. And this year, Omega is releasing a limited edition version of the Seamaster Diver to celebrate the 50th anniversary of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). Although perhaps not the fan favourite from the film franchise, the semicentennial occasion has provided an opportunity to admire anew the spy’s watch. Like Bond himself, Omega says that the watch is...
From the world’s rarest perfume to a rare, first-edition copy of a beloved classic book, we bring you the most desirable luxury collectables and high-end fashion items, that are worth the extra spend. Spend it on the World’s Rarest Perfume Husband-and-wife hoteliers Thomas and Dagmar Smit launched perfume collection Elegantes London in 2012. Together with master ‘nose’ Julien Rasquinet, they scoured the world for the finest ingredients to create a perfume of impeccable quality. Not just an incredibly rare and deliberately prepared scent, the perfume...
Caviar is the undisputable jewel of the luxury food scene, conjuring up images of expensive hors d’oeuvres served at the finest social functions. But how did these tiny black edible pearls become so prized? The fine delicacy consists of fish eggs, also called roe, harvested from the sturgeon. There are 27 different species of sturgeon, giving us different types, textures, colours and flavours of caviar— although ironically, the flesh of the sturgeon itself is not particularly prized. The most expensive and desirable caviar comes from the Beluga,...
Architecture stands at the cross-section of art, technology, and humanity. At the most basic level, it shelters us, and on the grandest level, it seeks to inspire and awe. Whether inspired to honour their religious beliefs, house their pursuit of knowledge, or pay tribute to the grandeur of their monarchs, mankind has for centuries been dreaming up the most beautiful buildings. We encounter many of these structures throughout our life’s travels, seeing rich culture reflected...
Henri Matisse is widely thought of as one of the great artists of the 20th century. His mastery of colour as expression, displayed through a body of work spanning half a century, has won him extensive recognition and respect among art critics and more casual art enthusiasts alike. He is regarded, along with his contemporary and friend Pablo Picasso, as responsible for revolutionary developments in both visual art and sculpture in modern art. This year, marking the sesquicentennial of Matisse’s birth, provides an opportunity to reflect on...
Is there anything more exciting than a concert violinist standing in front of a full symphony orchestra, ready to share with the world the beauty of Tchaikovsky? Perhaps a soloist playing on their own beautifully hand-crafted instrument. Once a violinist reaches a certain level of expertise, the next step in their career is to locate a violin made specifically to suit their requirements. We round up places to find elegant and excellent violins around the...
Opening 23 January, visitors to the Tate Modern will be able to see a major exhibition of pieces by French artist Pierre Bonnard, several of which will be displayed in the way that he painted them—as canvases attached to the wall without their frames. Curator Matthew Gale explained why Tate Modern wanted to recreate Bonnard’s unconventional studio style: “Most artist use stretchers, a wooden structure that keep the canvas flat, but he nailed them to...
