Art Therapy London

After being at a very low psychological ebb for much of 2018 I found that the arts could be a great comfort in times of stress. I had, since 2016, felt that we were drifting away from what a rich cultural life could do for our well being. I have made a very big effort to get more culture into our life and visiting more art galleries has been an important part of that. I feel that the slow art idea is a branch of mindfulness. It is just slowing down and appreciating art, taking time, at least five minutes, to really look at a painting, taking in shapes, colour, brush strokes, technique. Art and culture can help you appreciate your own life more and the struggles you face. Below are reviews of six of the best cultural centres in London.

South Bank Centre

The South Bank Centre is one of my favourite places in London. Often on one of our London walks our visit will start or end in the Royal Festival Hall. There is often entertainment going on in the hall, often music and exhibitions, there is also a welcoming bar and cafe area. The South Bank Centre also includes the Hayward Gallery, the National Theatre and the National Film Theatre which are also well worth a visit. It is also near an attractive stretch of the River Thames.

Tate Modern

Another favourite place in London is the Tate Modern near to other lovely London landmarks; St. Paul's Cathedral, the Globe Theatre and the Millennium Bridge. The building itself is very impressive, a disused power station. Modern art is often criticised as being pointless and not making sense. In the Tate Modern are very impressive paintings and thought provoking sculptures. I really like the surrealists and a visit generally takes in these and other favourites.

Tate Britain

 

I don't visit Tate Britain as much as the other galleries on my list. It is a bit more out of my way, in Pimlico, but still near a pleasant part of the river. It is an impressive place with great art by British Artists and the newer Turner wing. It is an excellent place to practice slow art appreciation.

National Gallery

The National Gallery sits facing Trafalgar Square and is also handy for Leicester Square, Theatreland and China Town. It is probably my favourite gallery in terms of the pictures held here. I love viewing Vincent Van Gogh and the Impressionists in particularly. It also features the National Cafe where you can sit comfortably and enjoy a latte and a muffin.

National Portrait Gallery

 

 

Next to the National Gallery is its smaller sibling, the National Portrait Gallery. Paintings we really enjoy in this gallery are the Tudors; there are some beautiful portraits of Elizabeth I here. Last time we visited we were also taken with the large Ed Sheran and Darcey Bussell paintings. There was also a small photographic exhibition which featured three of my favourite female pop starts; Kate Bush, Annie Lennox and Debbie Harry.

Barbican

The Barbican Centre is an artwork in itself, an important example of Brutalist architecture from the 1980s. The centre itself contains a conservatory, a theatre, a library and a cafe overlooking water. Outside the centre is the equally impressive residential area, flats as picturesque as other great Brutalist buildings I have visited; the Alexandra and Ainsworth Estate and 2 Willow Road.