With lockdown easing this week, the world outside has some treats in store. From floating artworks in nature to uplifting neon lights in parks and squares, Instagram inspired adventures underground to extra-indulgent burgers at Harrods, get ready for our top tips on what to see and do during the next seven days.
EXPLORE Accidentally Wes Anderson, an immersive pop-up inviting you to discover a cinematic universe inspired by the legendary American filmmaker, Wes Anderson, at the The Old Bank Vault in Hackney. The pop-up will bring to life the Instagram account of the same name launched by husband and wife duo Wally and Amanda Koval in 2017. Their hugely popular account has amassed thousands of photographs from travellers around the world who have captured some of the most idiosyncratic places on Earth which look like they are straight out of a Wes Anderson film set - think symmetrical, intricate and colourful. Now visitors can explore the historic and fascinating stories behind some of these stunning locations (none are actually in the films but are all inspired by Wes Anderson’s visual style), in real life and digitally. You can view and shop the entire AWA collections including the book, merchandise and exclusive prints in store and online.
Accidentally Wes Anderson opens at The Old Bank on Friday 4 December and runs until 23 December. For more information, visit https://www.theoldbankvault.com/ and follow @accidentallywestanderson on Twitter.
SEE Connected by Light. Put the wow-factor back into your dark, winter nights with this specially curated collection of light artworks, which will be brightening up the Canary Wharf estate with colourful neons and stunning creations from some of the UK’s best light artists. To be found across parks, gardens and open spaces, the works will be displayed from Wednesday 2 December until 27 February, and can be enjoyed at their dazzling best after the sunset. Designed to be viewed from a safe distance and aimed at lifting moods and providing a focus for reflection, this is a feast for the eyes that will bring a spot of magic back to gloomy London evenings.
For more information and a list of artworks to explore, visit https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/connected-by-light-dec-jan-2021/. For updates follow @YourCanaryWharf @CanaryWharfGrp and @Level39CW on Twitter.
VISIT London Wetlands Centre. With wonderful wildlife including herons, kingfishers and otters, this award-winning oasis is a haven for wildlife and a unique place to enjoy fresh air and a hearty winter walk. With migrating birds assembling at this time of year and with 100 acres to explore, London Wetlands Centre is an important nature reserve and now also the host of a thought-provoking environment-inspired art programme, to mark its 20th anniversary. With amazing sculptures and sound installations to spot amongst the watery scenery (including Jonathan Wright’s stunning Gilded Floating Manor House (pictured), there is even more reason to visit. With maps to guide you around the site and to help find artworks you can set off into a remarkable landscape of conservation and creativity.
For more information, visit https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/ and follow @WWTLondon on Twitter.
LISTEN to Transmissions, a new podcast series, narrated by Maxine Peake, telling the story of legendary Manchester bands Joy Division and New Order. With previously unheard interview material with band members, management, producers, designers, as well as musical royalty like Bono (U2), Johnny Marr (The Smiths) and Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction), this fascinating podcast takes an in-depth look at the journey and legacy of the bands who put Manchester on the musical map. The story starts with Joy Division’s humble beginnings, rehearsing in cold, rat-infested abandoned factories and then bursting onto the scene with their debut album Unknown Pleasures. We hear about the formation of Tony Wilson’s revolutionary punk record label Factory Records and the creative frictions, and occasional violence, surrounding many of the relationships in and around the label and band, and are then treated to some captivating insights on how the band’s most iconic track, Love will Tear us Apart, was recorded and produced. A touching episode focuses on the tragic demise and suicide of singer Ian Curtis, before listeners learn about how New Order emerged from Joy Division’s ashes, creating its trademark synth-inspired sound which set the pace for decades of dance music to follow. It’s raw, beguiling and a must-listen for any music fan, and what’s more there are even more episodes to come!
Transmissions: The Definitive Story of Joy Division and New Order is available to stream and download from all major podcast services. Follow @joydivision @neworder and @MPeakeOfficial on Twitter for updates.
DINE at Gordon Ramsay Burger, the first of the no nonsense chef's burger restaurants outside of Las Vegas, opening at Harrods in London this Friday. Be warned, these are NOT your average quarter pounders. With some luxury price tags attached to them, you can enjoy an £80 Wagyu burger and just so you know what you’re paying for in case it makes a difference - it’s 100 per cent UK heritage beef patty, seared Wagyu sirloin, fresh black truffles, and truffle Pecorino cheese. There’s a lobster and shrimp burger for half the price at £42, or slightly more reasonable options including a blue cheeseburger, a forest burger, and a Hell’s Kitchen burger for around the £25 mark. Fries are extra by the way. Pricey, exclusive, and over the top, we put this down as a one-off to indulge post-lockdown, if you feel like splashing out.
For more information, visit https://www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/burger/ and follow @harrods for updates.
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