Credit: Courtesy of Suzanne Treister; The Swiss Confederation, Federal Office of Culture, Oskar Reinhart Collection ‘Am Römerholz’, Winterthur; National Museums Liverpool
Stylist Loves
Here are the must-see exhibitions in London to get your culture fix this spring
By Stylist Team
25 days ago
4 min read
From 1980s photography to Cartier jewellery, these are the art exhibitions we’re getting excited about right now.
Across London, a range of exciting new exhibitions are taking place over the next couple of months, including a dynamic and immersive exhibition about Leigh Bowery and a fascinating exploration of the rarely seen history of the Mughal empire in India.
The seasonal change has brought with it a new air in the capital, with plenty on offer for art lovers. Whether you’re a photography aficionado hoping to get a glimpse of some renowned works or you want to be a little more daring and visit a smaller, niche exhibit, these are the shows to add to your cultural calendar this spring.
Credit: Derek Bishton, Brian Homer & John Reardon
The 80s: Photographing Britain
Open until May 2025
Tate Britain
Taking you back to the 1980s, this new exhibition traces the work of a diverse community of photographers, collectives and publications who created radical responses to the turbulent Thatcher years. Set against the backdrop of race uprisings, the miner strikes, the Aids epidemic and gentrification, you will not only gain insight into this time in history but also be inspired by the many stories of protest and change.
Credit: Suzanne Treister
Electric Dreams
Open until June 2025
Tate Modern
With the rise of AI and algorithms, this exhibition explores how artists used machines and algorithms to create mesmerising and mind-bending art between the 1950s and the early 1990s. Electric Dreams highlights and celebrates the early innovators of optical, kinetic and digital art that emerged long before internet technology was very much here to stay.
Credit: V&A
The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture And Opulence
Open until June 2025
V&A South Kensington
This major exhibition celebrates the creative output and internationalist culture of the golden age of the Mughal Court (around 1560–1660) during the reigns of its most famous emperors: Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
Credit: Courtesy of © Fergus Greer, courtesy Michael Hoppen Gallery, London
Leigh Bowery!
Open until August 2025
Tate Modern
Leigh Bowery’s short but extraordinary life left a distinct, undeniable mark on the art world and beyond. Now, this eclectic and immersive exhibition is a rare chance to experience many of Bowery’s ‘looks’ alongside his collaborations with other artists while providing fresh insight into the creative scenes in London, New York and beyond. Step inside Bowery’s dynamic creative world that blurred the lines between art and life.
Credit: Saatchi Gallery
Flowers – Flora In Contemporary Art And Culture
Open until May 2025
Saatchi Gallery
Throughout history, flowers have inspired artists, writers and creatives. This exhibition seeks to reveal the myriad of ways flowers continue to be depicted by artists. Featuring large-scale installations, original art, photography, fashion, archival objects and graphic design, which explore the ongoing influence of flowers on creativity and human expression.
Credit: Courtesy of The Swiss Confederation, Federal Office of Culture, Oskar Reinhart Collection ‘Am Römerholz’, Winterthur
Goya To Impressionism. Masterpieces From The Oskar Reinhart Collection
Open until May 2025
The Courtauld
The first ever exhibition of the Oskar Reinhart Collection Am Romerholz to be staged outside of Switzerland. The Courtauld Gallery hosts an exceptional selection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings – including works by Goya, Monet, Renoir, van Gogh, Picasso and Cézanne.
Credit: Courtesy of National Museums Liverpool
Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350
Until 22 June 2025
The National Gallery
Step into Siena at the beginning of the 14th century during a golden moment for art, as artists such as Duccio, Simone Martini and brothers Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti are forging a new way of painting. With over a hundred exhibits made by artists working in Siena, Naples, Avignon and beyond, in this exhibition you’ll see some of Europe’s earliest and most exquisite artworks.
Credit: Courtesy of V&A
Cartier
Opens 12th April
V&A South Kensington
Showcasing over 350 objects including precious jewels, historic gemstones, iconic watches and clocks, this major exhibition at the V&A charts Cartier’s legacy of art, design and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century.
Credit: Courtesy of William Morris Museum
Morris Mania
5th April – September 2025
William Morris Gallery
Part of the William Morris Gallery’s 75th anniversary year, Morris Mania explores the complicated legacy of William Morris as his work continues to grow in popularity. Objects from the gallery, as well as public and private collections will be on display.
Cats in Cartoons
Cartoon Museum
5th April – 7th September 2025
From Garfield to Bagpuss, there is a long line of cartoon cats, and for the first time, The Cartoon Museum is collecting many of the greatest cats to grace comics, newspapers and magazines to explore why people love cats so much and what cats can tell us about life.
Images: Derek Bishton, Brian Homer & John Reardon; Suzanne Treister; V&A; © Fergus Greer, courtesy Michael Hoppen Gallery, London; Saatchi Gallery; The Swiss Confederation, Federal Office of Culture, Oskar Reinhart Collection ‘Am Römerholz’, Winterthur; National Museums Liverpool; William Morris Museum; Cartoon Museum
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