Book after Book

Dulwich Picture Gallery is currently hosting – for the first in the UK – a major exhibition of one of Canada’s greatest modern painters, David Milne (1882-1953). Never heard of him before? Neither had I – and that’s why, on my latest visit to this beautiful south London art gallery, I decided that I would visit the permanent collection only. This is an exquisitely rich collection of European Baroque paintings and British portraits from Tudor times to the 19 th century, which – with its ornate, golden frames - perfectly complements the elegance of the building. The Gallery was busier than I expected it to be on a Wednesday morning and I got a glimpse of the reason as the door leading to the David Milne exhibition area was briefly opened to let more visitors in. I knew then, in that quick glance, that I would go back to reception to have my ticket upgraded. I am not an art critic so I won’t launch myself into a detailed analysis of Milne’s work. I am simply someone who en...

The bold actions of the Suffragettes and the history of London are strongly linked to one another and it is therefore only natural that the Museum of London should dedicate an exhibition to these brave women. I visited Votes for Women a few weeks ago and I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in this movement and a few hours to spend in London. The exhibition itself is not that extensive but the displays are located in different areas of the museum and you won't be able to resist browsing other collections too. Back to the Suffragettes though! From badges and banners to the chains used during protests and the medals earned with prison sentences, the items on display are of a varied nature and help create a complete picture of the times. My favourite part of the exhibition was a short video running along an entire wall, which combined interviews with women talking today about their predecessors and historical footage. Informative and emotional at the same time...

An exhibit at the Dutch Resistance Museum in Amsterdam. How useful books can be!

I do like a tidy bookshelf but I'm not impartial to the charm of a slightly messy composition, especially in the right context. This photo was taken this summer at Compton Verney , an art gallery housed in a Grade I listed mansion in Warwickshire. I loved the soft light coming in through the big windows! In the background you can see a current art installation by Marcia Farquhar entitled The Horse is a Noble Animal . Many thanks to the friendly museum assistant who allowed me to take this photograph where it might not have been entirely permitted!

I've recently discovered how much I enjoy visiting the Victoria & Albert Museum ! This picture was taken last year and shows the new V&A Bookshop, which opened in 2009 and is so much more than a place that sells books. It is an art installation in its own right and I highly recommend a visit!