Art of London Season for the Cultural Aficionado

Aquavit London is almost a gallery in itself, with artfully presented food, beautifully paired drinks menus and walls adorned with the works of Scandinavian artists this is a place to dine in the true immersion of art in all forms. The food itself is masterfully created by chef Jonas Karlsson who uses his Swedish heritage to inform his cooking, expect a Nordic inspired menu which takes inspiration from fresh, in-season, local produce. The Scandi theme continues as specially commissioned textile wall hangings surround the walls, by Scandinavian designers the Danish-Icelandic installation artist Olafur Eliasson and Swedish textile designer Barbro Nilsson.

The Chekhov classic has been modernised in a 21st century re-imagining for a limited run at the Harold Pinter Theatre. The Seagull comes to the London stage this summer starring Emilia Clarke, best known for her iconic portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen, in Game of Thrones. Clarke trades her role as Mother of the Dragons for her West End debut as Nina in The Seagull.

Directed by the critically acclaimed Jamie Lloyd, the Anya Reiss version of the play also stars Tom Rhys Harries, Daniel Monks, Sophie Wu and fellow Game of Thrones co-star Indira Varma.

Regarded as one of Chekhov's foremost plays, this tale of love and loneliness comes to The Harold Pinter stage for a limited run of 11 weeks. Explore the tale of a young woman desperate for fame, a man who pines after the woman of his dreams. A writer seeking a sense of achievement and a fight against changing times. Set against the backdrop of an isolated countryside residence- broken hearts and tattered dreams leads to a perfect storm.

The world's first super-boutique hotel sits elegantly on the edge of Leicester Square. Housing coveted restaurants including Whitcomb's and 8 at The Londoner, afternoon tea at The Stage and bar Joshua's Tavern. Relish a sense of other-worldliness right in the very heart of London.

Encapsulating the theatrical, rest and recharge in a room or a suite across 16 storeys. At The Londoner, see a collection of tastes and experiences collide in a space which reflects the drama and elegance of West End life.

Your stay at The Londoner could also enable you access to exclusive opportunities, including an tickets to The Seagull if residing at the hotel on Thursday 25th August and Thursday 8th September 2022.

Image credit: Henry Bourne

Art of London Season 2022 brings a Brighter Future to London's West End. Developed in collaboration with National Gallery X (NGX), the project saw an open call to emerging artists with an opportunity to showcase their art work in a public display across the West End.

Artist Zarah Hussain and Fiona Quadri unveiled their pieces across Piccadilly Circus with the help of guest judge, and fellow artist Harry Hill.

Fiona Quadri is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on photography and illustration, whose interactive installation illustrates London’s uniqueness. Born in Brussels and now living in London, Fiona uses influences from these countries as well as her Austro-Nigerian as themes to influence her work. Fiona's Brighter Future installation celebrates London’s multiculturalism and diversity. Bridging cultural divides and celebrating individuality, the freestanding designs are accompanied by audio interviews conducted in The Garden at St James’s Church, Piccadilly over the summer.

Zarah Hussain is an artist who combines contemporary digital art with hand-drawn Islamic geometry, positioned in Piccadilly Circus, one of the world’s busiest districts, experience Zarah Hussain’s beautiful, hand-drawn kaleidoscopic patterns on two giant icosahedron (20 sided) shapes inspired by her Arabic heritage. Entitled ‘Pop Geometry’, catch Zarah Hussain’s striking and vibrant colours highlight London’s cultural uniqueness.

Away from the energy of Piccadilly Circus, members of the public can head to St James’s Market to find a calm and tranquil environment to experience her stunning wall murals and patterned flower gardens for relaxing in the city. After appearing in Piccadilly Circus, Zarah’s towering icosahedron models, spanning two metres in size, will be installed in St James’s Market Place and Waterloo Place.

'Clean Power' a vibrant new sculpture, designed and created by renowned artist and designer Morag Myerscough has launched in Piccadilly Circus. The eye-catching installation showcases Morag's signature style - bold, colourful and optimistic tying in perfectly to the of a 'Brighter Future' for Art of London Season 2022. The vibrant piece will be on display from 1st to the 6th of September.

Previously showcased at the Finnish National Opera in 2018, the brand new production of Tosca is now playing in the UK at the London Coliseum this summer.

Set in Rome 1800, Opera singer Tosca becomes increasingly desperate to stop Scarpia’s plans and must resort to deadly means to take back her freedom from those who want to suppress it. When passion and politics collide, love can prove a fatal weakness.

Regarded as a 'stunning thriller' by Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, Tosca is directed by Christof Loy who also worked on productions for other leading opera houses including his 'riveting' (i News) Luisa Miller for Glyndebourne in 2021. This is the first work by director Loy to be staged by the English National Opera. This production of Tosca tells the rollercoaster story of love, lust, murder and is conducted by the brilliant Leo Hussain.