Two London Fashion Exhibits in 8 Hours?
I wound up in London for a mere 50 hours on a recent work gig. The team arrived late on Friday and left early on Monday. I only had eight free hours and four items on my “must-do” list. The list included some sightseeing, shopping, and not one, but TWO fashion history exhibitions.
Could I do two London fashion exhibits in one day? With careful planning ahead of the trip, I maximized my experience in a minimum amount of time. Here’s a rundown of how the day went.
“Sargent and Fashion”
Tate Britain, London
My first stop on my day out was at the Tate Britain for “Sargent and Fashion.” John Singer Sargent redefined society portraiture during the Belle Epoch. He worked in an “alla prima” style, quickly setting paint without the benefit of underpainting, or even sketches on the canvas. Sargent had an uncanny power to capture the essence of an individual in a few bold strokes. This painter was a true creative genius.
In this show, society portraits are paired with the surviving fashion artifacts that have survived the years. Placed side-by-side, you can reach a fuller and richer understanding of how Sargent interpreted these garments in paint on canvas.
The exhibition is sublime – If you can get to it, GO. If you can’t, but share my twin loves of art and fashion history, get the book. I felt very fortunate this was on while I was there. What an experience!
Sargent and Fashion @ Tate Britain, London through July 7, 2024 More Tickets and Info
Boat Ride:
from Battersea to Canary Wharf
After having a snack in the cafe at the Tate Britain, I walked down to the river and caught an Uber Boat for an extended trip on the river. I paid for an all-day pass that allowed me to go from one end of the purple line at Battersea down to Canary Wharf and back.
Unlike a formal boat tour with a guide, the Uber Boat is like a water bus. It moves quickly from one station to another up and down the river. It was a beautiful method to get from the Tate Britain in Pimlico to the Museum of London, Docklands. More Info on the Uber Boat
“Fashion City”
Museum of London, Docklands
While “Sargent and Fashion” was about aristocracy and haute couture, “Fashion City” explored the history of the Jewish garment workers, seamstresses, and couturiers who lived and worked in London.
This exhibit was set up like a timeline and as you explored each room, you moved forward in time, beginning with late 19th century immigrants, through war rationing, 50’s glamour, and the 60s mods. The exhibits featured a mix of objects, garments, and ephemera including everything from fashion magazines to sewing machines.
The one caveat is that all the garments are behind glass, so my photos showed reflections of lights and other exhibition components. Fortunately, there’s a very well-written and complete exhibition guide for purchase.
Fashion City @ Museum of London, Docklands through July 7, 2024. More Info and Tickets
Food & Fun
After the fashion exhibitions, it was time for quality shopping time, tea and scones at Marks and Spencer, a visit to a few bookstores, and a walk around the area near my hotel at King’s Cross. Believe me when I say I slept very well that night despite the sudden change in time.
If you want to see more photos of these exhibitions, join me on Patreon for the July 2024 coffee chat.
Happy Dance and Costuming,
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
June 2024
PS: If you love a good Fashion Exhibit Review – check out “Guo Pei”
