Love is in the art! This Valentine's Day, Art of London has the perfect guide for you to feel the love. From masterpieces at the National Gallery to the most romantic meals, our curated guide will help you to celebrate an art filled Love Day.
The National Gallery
Take a romantic stroll to the National Gallery where you can fall in love with Venus and Mars by Sandro Botticelli. This painting depicts the goddess of love's affection for the god of war. Or perhaps, Titian's Bacchus and Ariadne will capture your heart by telling the story of love at first sight between the god of wine and a Cretan princess.
Image Credit:
Sandro Botticelli, Venus and Mars, 1485 © The National Gallery, London
Aquavit London
Love is in the air at Aquavit London with a selection of sharing specials designed for two, available exclusively from 11th – 19th February.
Dishes include cep and onion crusted chateaubriand with celeriac and truffle purée, green beans, pancetta and red wine jus (£90), with the option to add a Västerbotten cheese gratinated lobster (£65) for a spot of Surf ‘n’ Turf. Other dishes include whole roasted dover sole with burnt leeks, dill, fennel, white wine sauce, grilled lemon and crispy oyster (£85), plus a romantic red velvet cake with mirror glazed raspberry mousse and white chocolate crumb (£22). All dishes serve two.
To book, visit here.
Image Credit: Jodi Hinds
Stern Pissarro
Les amoureux aux deux bouquets et le peintre, by Marc Chagall depicts a scene exuding romance and mystecism. The painting shows Marc Chagall and his wife Bella surrounded by emblamatic Chagall motifs, such as two colourful bouquets and flying animals, all of which conjure the idea that love is absurdly beautiful and fundamentally magical. His passion for life is so engulfingand compelling that one cannot help but be swept away into his world.
Image Credit:
Caption: Marc Chagall, Les amoureux aux deux bouquets et le peintre, gouache, oil, tempera, coloured pencils and pastel on paper, 76.4 x 56.6 cm (30 ¹/₈ x 22 ¹/₄ inches), painted circa 1975.
The Royal Academy of Arts
Continue your trip through The West End to Picaddilly, where you can visit the Royal Academy of Arts, home to a treasure trove of wonderous artworks.
E. McWilliam RA, The Couple (1934) speaks more about the longer-term, constant love of strong companionship rather than the flashy romance and passion that is often present around Valentine’s.
And Zone of Love (c.1932) by Dame Ethel Walker ARA, depicts the Soul as a young female awakning in a spiritual "zone". As the artist was lesbian, this artwork could be a good way into undermining heteronormative ways of thinking about and celebrating Valentine’s Day.
While you are there, be sure to make a pit stop at Jose Pizarro's for a spot of lunch or an afternoon tipple.
Image Credit:
Ethel Walker, Zone of Love: © The Artist's Estate. © Photo: Royal Academy of Arts, London. Photographer: Paul Highnam.
Floristry at The Londoner
Celebrate Valentine's with a floristry workshop in the stunning surrounds of The Londoner. Bond over creativity with fellow participants and leave with a bouquet to take away or to share with a friend, family member or your beloved.
Explore this unique opportunity to demonstrate your affection and creativity this Valentine’s Day. The Londoner will be hosting a floristry class with a leading Covent Garden florist in their airy internal courtyard. Receive expert guidance in creating a classic Valentine’s bouquet – perfect as a beautiful gift for a loved one, a family member or simply as a treat for yourself. A cold beer or a glass of prosecco will serve as the ideal lubricant to aid the creative process.
For more information and to book, visit here.
Breakfast at The Wolseley
‘Breakfast is a meal apart’. Treat yourself and the person you love to an extensive menu, from 7am on a weekday and a more leisurely 8am at the weekend.
In his book, ‘Breakfast at The Wolseley’, the much-missed restaurant critic, A.A. Gill observed, “Wherever, whenever breakfast comes, it is a mouthful of stoic optimism”.
The Wolseley’s breakfast comprises our home-made Viennoiserie, classic egg dishes, kedgeree, full English breakfast as well as fruit, yoghurts, cereals and more.
We would recommend reserving in advance, but a certain number of tables are always available for ‘walk-ins’ on the day.
Aspinal of London
Find the perfect gift for someone special - or yourself, this Valentine's Day at Aspinal of London. Personalise your gift to make it even more special.
For some inspiration, visit here.
Dance Classes at The Dilly
Whether you are practicing for your wedding day or a keen dance professional, our spectacular ballroom will bring your routine to life.
The Dilly has a range of dance classes and lessons through the leading London dance school, Inspiration 2 Dance. Our studio is also available for private hire so you can practice in style.
For more information, visit here.