LONDON EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Bizarre gadgets, Chinese culture and modern British design are all celebrated in events in London during early 2006.

A portable water closet from 1844 and a self pouring teapot are just two of the items on display in a new exhibition at the Kew Bridge Steam Museum (Jan. 7- April 17). Wondrously Wacky Gadgets gives visitors a chance to look into Maurice Collins’ collection of ingenious gadgets and early technology and guess the purpose of bizarre contraptions. Open daily, adults £5.75, tel: 020 8568 4757.

Website: www.kbsm.org

Michelangelo Drawings: closer to the master is a special exhibition at the British Museum which reunites material not seen together since the dispersal of the artist’s studio more than 400 years ago (March 23-June 25). Tracing 60 years of Michelangelo’s life the exhibition includes intimate early studies to the Crucifixion scenes made just before he died. Open daily, adults £9, tel: 020 7323 8299.
Website: www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk

The Chinese New Year celebrations (January 29) will herald the biggest celebration of Chinese art and culture that London has ever seen. China In London will run throughout February and March and will see special themed events, exhibitions and activities including the ‘Three Emperors 1662-1795’ exhibition at the Royal Academy and performances of ‘Yellow Gentlemen’ at the Polka Theatre. Website: www.london.gov.uk

A new exhibition at the Handel House Museum in Mayfair will tell the story of the operatic castrati singers who worked for the great composer and whose remarkable voices made them superstars of the day. Handel and the Castrati (March 29-Oct. 1) will display scores and cartoons as well as the surgical instruments used to perform the operations. Visitors will also be able to hear the only surviving recording of the last castrati Alessandro Moreschi. Open Tues.-Sun., adults £5, tel: 020 7495 1685. Website: www.handelhouse.org
Designing Modern Britain tells the story of how design has transformed the daily lives of Britons, from London Transport in the 1930s to the plans for the London 2012 Olympic Games. On display at the Design Museum from Dec. 3 and running for a year will be reconstructions of modern landmarks including a London Underground station and the Hacienda club in 1980s Manchester. The exhibition also traces the history of British cars like the Mini and E-Type Jaguar. Open daily, adults £7, tel: 0870 833 9955.

Website: www.designmuseum.org

December 19, 2005   Posted in: England