In light of my recent acquisition of a Tate Membership (an xmas present which I have surprisingly never received before), I felt very excited and determined to visit both London galleries as soon as possible. So the second day of the new year it is! (A necessity as I have to hot-step it back up to Notts and several exhibitions finish this Winter.)
Tate Modern viewed from Millenium Bridge
One thing I love about Tate is their offering of regular late-opening hours, suitable for artsy pre-dinner dates, after school refresher and/or late night pre-bar solo outings. (Tonight fits into that final category if anyone was interested.) But still, Tate is Tate. I've been many times to see the permanent collections, and keep coming back for their well-curated dynamic range of temporary exhibitions. Which my shiny new card gives me free entry to...
One motivator in particular to this visit was the soon-ending Turner exhibition (which you can always tell by the ticket queue.) Despite being mad busy, I greatly appreciated getting to see this show. I had not planned on seeing the large London Turner/ Constable (at the RA) shows when they were announced last year, due to the amount of times I've seen and studied their work. However this exhibition proved to me that I have changed (hopefully improved) my tastes and thoughts critically and culturally. So I had a different experience viewing the work as I might have done a few years ago.
For the full review click here (link to come)
Gaining entry to the gallery tailored members rooms felt pretty special in these spectacular buildings. Unfortunately, due to choosing to visit on a day the world and his wife seem to be off work, both were horrendously busy. I look forward to future visits on a quiet weekday daytime. The Tate Britain rooms overlook the recently renovated Rotunda, which makes a stunningly opulent yet tranquil space. The Modern's channel the modernist sleek vibe, with stunning views across the Thames to St.Pauls. There also seemed access to a balcony, but it was far too cold and windy to investigate. I'm glad to know I can come back on a more pleasant day and hopefully do some drawing.
Tate Modern members room
In all this appreciation of Art and Architecture, inside and outside the walls of these great institutions, I feel quite nostalgic in leaving London.
(Though considering the hike in rail prices and the amount I spend on drinks I'm quite glad to be heading back to pound-a-pint Nottingham, even if only temporarily.)
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