The lead-up to Christmas means November is a busy time in London. It’s also a brilliant month for arts and culture, with The World of Charles and Ray Eames coming to the Barbican and Handmade in Britain‘s crafts fair returning to Chelsea Town Hall. Here are the events not to be missed
1.Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Natural History Museum, 16 October – 10 April 2016
Wrestling komodo dragons, a shark surfer and a thirsty squirrel are a few of the arresting pictures shortlisted for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015. The selection includes this striking image, Great Egret Awakening, by Zsolt Kudich from Hungary, which captures a mass gathering of great egrets at the River Danube. More than a thousand birds flocked to the water to feed on amphibians, fish and invertebrates after they were stranded by the river’s flooding into Hungary’s Gemenc Forest. Kudich waited five days before getting the memorable image. Exhibition runs 16 October – 10 April 2016, adults £13.50, nhm.ac.uk
Great Egret Awakening, by Zsolt Kudich
2.The World of Charles and Ray Eames, Barbican, 21 October – 14 February 2016
Charles and Ray Eames are among the most important designers of the 20th century. Their enduring influence is widely acknowledged and continues to be celebrated worldwide. This major new exhibition will look at the extraordinary work of the Eames Office. Standard tickets £14.50. barbican.org.uk
Eames House courtyard. Photo: Timothy Street Porter
3.Bulgari pop-up, Harrods, 31 October – 28 November
Harrods will be hosting stunning Italian brand Bulgari for a glamorous pop-up store exhibition throughout November. There are seven exclusive products created especially for the Harrods pop-up, which includes a malachite pink gold pendant, a shining black and gold Octo watch, an emerald croc and four Gaulchat Serpenti Forever handbags. harrods.com
4.Family Travel Show, Olympia, 31 October – 1 November
Olympia will be hosting the winners and selected images from the Young Travel Photographers Competition, forming part of the Family Travel Show from 31 October – 1 November. From quirky signs and bustling markets, to incredible landscapes and amazing architecture, this is a look at the world through children’s eyes. See some of the entries at youngtravelphotographers.com. Day tickets to the Family Travel Show are £8 (under 16s free).
An entry
5.Gaucho Celebrates 7 Days of Whiskey, across London, 2 – 8 November
Love steak and whiskey? Don’t miss this week-long celebration of the American tipple. From Monday 2 November, Argentinian restaurant Gaucho is teaming up with Jack Daniel’s among other famous brands to host a range of events, from whiskey and beef masterclasses to three course dining experiences. The week kicks off with Woodford Reserve Master Class from 7pm-8pm at Gaucho Piccadilly. See the full list of events and ticket prices at gauchorestaurants.co.uk
Gaucho celebrates American whiskey
6.Spirit of Christmas Fair, Olympia, 2 – 8 November
Olympia will be overrun with Christmas workshops and shop stalls this month for the Spirit of Christmas Fair. For those who want to start the gift shopping early, this event puts seasonal products, festive decorations and home accessories to children’s toys all in one convenient spot. There will also be a chance to hear decorating tips from the House & Garden experts, or just enjoy the Christmas cheese sampled in the expansive food hall. Tickets from £19.50, Hammersmith Road W14 8UX. spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk
The Spirit of Christmas comes to Olympia
7.Ethel Walker, Thackeray Gallery, 3 – 20 November
Artist Ethel Walker will mark her 30th year with the Thackeray Gallery with a solo exhibition of 30 unseen oil paintings. Known for her moody landscapes, Ethel’s work has previously been compared to that of J.M.W Turner. Prices will range from £2,000 – £25,000. thackeraygallery.com
Ethel Walker’s River Thames at Westminster
8.Keira Rathbone – The Typewriter Artist, M1 Fineart, Greenwich 5 – 19 November
In a world of modern technology, the humble typewriter seems long-forgotten. But Keira Rathbone has found a continuing use for them and it has nothing to do with writing words. Using the letters, numbers and symbols, the typewriter artist to creates art – from tiny stick figures to huge multi-page montages. See her newly created genre of ‘typings’ in an extensive collection of original works and an installation exploring the depths of her creativity at M1 Fineart in Greenwich from 5-19 November. M1Fineart.com
The Typewriter Artist
9.Dan Daw Creative Projects: BEAST, Greenwich Dance, 6 – 7 November
BEAST, an intimate hyper-theatrical solo work performed by Dan Daw is an attempt to combine the unseen with the familiar, balancing on secluded neurological paths between sexual vertigo, expectation, intention and effect. BEAST is a Compass Commission, created by The Greenwich Dance & Trinity Laban Partnership in collaboration with choreographer Martin Forsberg, designer Jenny Nordberg and lighting designer Guy Hoare. Contains full nudity. 6-7 November, 8pm. Adults £12, concs £9. greenwichdance.org.uk
10.Battersea Park Fireworks, 7 November
As firework displays go, Battersea Park’s annual spectacular is the one to head for if you’re after big bangs and an even bigger bonfire. This year, all the action kicks off from 6pm, but if you want in, you have to plan ahead – this event’s so popular you must book in advance, as there won’t be tickets available on the gates. See wandsworth.gov.uk for ticket details and find out where else you can watch the fireworks this year.
Fireworks in Battersea
11.Regent Street Cinema’s India Season, 9 – 28 November
To help celebrate the India Festival at the V&A museum, this iconic cinema will host its very own ‘India Season’ this month. This will include double-bill screenings of Indian film-greats, remakes and new releases. The team from Tongues on Fire, who produce the London Asian Film Festival, have selected the very best films from the Indian Film repertoire – Throw of Dice, Umrao Jaan and Anjuman are just a few highlights on the schedule. regentstreetcinema.com
12.The Collars & Coats Gala Ball, Battersea, 12 November
This annual gala in aid of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is back at Battersea Evolution this November. Into its seventh year, a highlight is the unique Battersea ‘Doggie Guard of Honour’ comprising many of the Home’s 400 rescued canine residents. collarsandcoats.org.uk
13.Guest chef demonstrations at Le Cordon Bleu London, 11 November
Foodies are invited to attend Cordon Bleu’s latest guest chef demonstration which takes on a Brazilian theme this term. Masterchef: The Professionals semi-finalist Luciana Berry will prepare a traditional “Moqueca” – a Brazilian seafood stew, served with black eyed peas and manioc farofa, tomato salsa vinaigrette and garlic basmati rice. The event is free but places are on a first come, first served basis. The demonstration starts at 6.30pm at Le Cordon Bleu London, 15 Bloomsbury Square, WC1A 2LS. cordonbleu.co.uk
14.Empire Extra, Empire Cinemas, 12 – 26 November
Live theatre, world-class opera and ballet will be broadcast by Empire Cinemas this month. Look out for screenings of the Carmen Quadruple Bill live from the Royal Opera House on 12 November, Of Mice and Men live from the National Theatre on 19 November and a screening of The Winter’s Tale, the first season of Branagh Theatre Live on 26 November.
15.Tintin: Hergé’s Masterpiece, Somerset House, 12 November – 31 January 2016
Stepping inside the wonderfully eccentric world of artist-author Hergé and Tintin, his intrepid young reporter, the exhibition will explore the evolution of the artwork of Hergé, from the simplicity of early newspaper strips to his genre-defining later works. Free admission. somersethouse.org.uk
Photo: Moulinsart 2015
16.ING Discerning Eye Exhibition, Mall Galleries, 12 – 22 November
The Discerning Eye Exhibition will showcase a 457 small works independently chosen by six prominent figures from the art world. The panel this year includes founder of iconic British ceramics brand, Emma Bridgewater, fashion designer-turned-sculptor, Nicole Farhi, and actor, Larry Lamb as well as three professionals from the art world. The selectors have each curated their own section of the exhibition, resulting in six smaller exhibitions with very distinct personalities. All works on display will be for sale. Admission is free. www.discerningeye.org
17.Lee Green Open studios, 14 – 15 and 21- 22 November
Lee Green Open Studios takes place on two consecutive weekends this month, 14-15 and 21-22 November from 12-6pm with nearly 50 artists ranging from Jo Oakley, a Royal Academy exhibiting printmaker, to a bespoke musical instrument maker who is taking part for the first time. You’ll also find visual and applied artists, printmakers, photographers, painters, sculptors, ceramicists, textile artists, jewellers and more opening up their homes and studios across the area. New exhibition space Crimson & Clover on Staplehurst Road, a vintage and homewares shop opened by local textile designer Donna Read, will exhibit paintings and drawings by artist David Weekes. leegreenopenstudios.com
18.Handmade in Britain, Chelsea Town Hall, 13 – 15 November
The annual showcase of the very best of contemporary British craft and design heads to Chelsea Old Town Hall from 13 – 15 November. You will be able to browse exceptional crafts, buy unique gifts or commission a bespoke piece of work directly from over 120 of the UK’s finest designer-makers, each handpicked by a panel of industry experts. Get a 2 for 1 ticket voucher here. handmadeinbritain.co.uk
19.The Collective by Kari C, Knightsbridge, 13 November
Luxury shoe designer Kari C. will launch her own boutique on Beauchamp Place this November – and it’s set to be shoe heaven. The space will feature Kari’s recently launched A/W 15 range as well as stunning products from iconic designers around the world, including Alexander McQueen, Valentino, and Proenza Schouler. The Collective by Kari C. will launch on 13 November and will be open through December at 19 Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge SW3 1NQ. kari-c.com
Shoe designer Kari C will launch a boutique in Knightsbridge
20.London Russian Ballet School perform Siberian Tales and Paquita, New Wimbledon Theatre, 17 November
This November, students from the Clapham-based London Russian Ballet School will perform two unique dance pieces. Siberian Tales is a love story set in the Copper Mountains with music by acclaimed composer Alexksandra Pakhmtova. Paquita is a brilliant showcase of Russian ballet technique, with music by Minkus and choreography by Marius Petipa. The performances will take place on Tuesday 17 November at 7.30pm. Tickets are from £11.90, available at atgtickets.com
A performer from the London Russian Ballet School
21.Skate at Somerset House, 18 November – 10 January 2016
Want to get in the Christmas spirit a little earlier than usual? Head over to the Somerset House ice rink. With the après-Skate restaurant serving cocktails and warming winter drinks plus the Fortnum’s pop-up shop stocked with Christmas goodies, it’s no wonder this has become a favourite skating spot with Londoners and tourists alike. For those in the mood to party, look out for the club nights with live music provided by DJs from Ministry of Sound and Island Records. Tickets are available at somersethouse.org/Skate from £7.50 each plus booking fee.
Get in the festive spirit at Skate
22.Cycle Revolution, Design Museum, 18 November – 30 June 2016
As Britain enjoys an explosion of interest in two-wheeled travel, the Design Museum will look at the people and machines that make contemporary cycling what it is. Cycle Revolution will include personal pieces belonging to well-known cyclists including Sir Chris Hoy. Adult tickets £13, children £6.50. designmuseum.org
Photo: Emily Maye
23.The Carmignac Photojournalism Award: A Retrospective, Saatchi Gallery, 18 November – 13 December
This exhibition will present images by all laureates of the award since it was launched in 2009, with a focus on the work of Iranian photojournalist Newsha Tavakolian, who won the Carmignac honour last year. Also exhibiting is Massimo Berruti, an Italian photographer based in Islamabad whose powerful 2010 black and white images document the unrest in Pachtounistan, a strategic border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Admission is free. saatchigallery.com
In The Moment, Massimo Berruti, Bara Bandai, 2010
24.Samuel Pepys: Plague, Fire, Revolution, National Maritime Museum, 20 November – 28 March 2016
Samuel Pepys, one of the most colourful characters of the 17th-century, witnessed many of the great events that shaped Stuart Britain, bringing them brilliantly to life in his famous and candid diary. He was a naval mastermind, a gossip and a socialite, successfully navigating his way to wealth and status during a time of turmoil which saw kings fighting for their crowns and the devastation of the plague and the Great Fire of London. Samuel Pepys: Plague, Fire, Revolution is the largest ever exhibition about the famous diarist with 200 objects from museums, galleries and private collections and some fantastic accompanying events like Pepys Show Late on 26 November (£15). Exhibition entry £12 adults, £10 concs, £6 kids. rmg.co.uk
Samuel Pepys: Plague, Fire, Revolution will open at the National Maritime Museum
25.Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, 20 November – 3 January
London’s most popular festive event returns to Hyde Park in November. Highlights include The Magical Ice Kingdom – the biggest ice and snow sculpture experience in the UK – and the Bavarian Village. There’s no where better to sip on mulled wine on a cold winter’s afternoon than here! Tickets for Winter Wonderland’s main attractions are available at hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/attractions
Pick up a few festive gifts at Winter Wonderland’s Christmas markets
26.Bejewelled Treasures: The Al Thani Collection, V&A, 21 November – 28 March 2016
This exhibition in the V&A’s Porter Gallery will showcase around 100 spectacular objects from or inspired by the jewellery traditions of the Indian subcontinent. Expect a display of magnificent precious stones. Full price tickets are £10. vam.ac.uk
Bejewelled diamond turban made for the Maharaja of Nawanagar,1907
27.Linda, Royal Court Theatre, 25 November – 9 January 2016
Liverpool born but New York-made actress Kim Cattrall will be performing at the Royal Court this November in a production of Penelope Skinner’s Linda. The play follows the life of Linda Wilde, a dissatisfied 55 year old beauty company marketing executive who fears her life has reached its peak. Linda offers an smart exploration of gender politics, and the crippling societal pressure for women to stay young. Jan Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, tickets £12 to £35. royalcourttheatre.com
Kim Cattrall stars in Penelope Skinner’s Linda
28.Chiltern Street Christmas, Marylebone, 26 November
Chiltern Street will be hosting an evening of festive drinks, live music and Christmas shopping at the end of the month. For one night only, stores will be open until 9pm, with special promotions and offers available. Festive drinks and treats from celebrity haunt Chiltern Firehouse and Monocle Café will also be served and there will be the opportunity to try Christmas wreath making with creative florist and event planners, By Appointment Only Design. chilternstreetw1.co.uk
Chiltern Street will host a Christmas fair on 26 November
29.Winterville, Victoria Park, 26 November – 23 December
Festive fun returns to Victoria Park with a bigger and better offering than before. The Moscow State Circus, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas markets and a Snow White Panto are all on the agenda and for the first time ever, East London film providers Backyard Cinema are joining the line-up. ‘The Winter Night Garden’, which can only be accessed via a secret tunnel of trees, will be showing festive classics including It’s a Wonderful Life, Love Actually and The Muppet Christmas Carol. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit? Entry to Winterville is free. Backyard Cinema tickets are available from £8 and can be pre-booked here. winterville.co.uk
Go skating at Winterville
30.Hinterland, bo.lee gallery, 28 November – 13 December
Hinterland: a solo show by Bobbie Russon opens at East Dulwich’s newest gallery, bo.lee gallery on Saturday 28 November. Established in Bath in January 2009, bo.lee gallery is now in its permanent location: Gallery Director Jemma Hickman’s home-gallery, set within a renovated stable block housing a light, bright appointment-only viewing room. This much anticipated solo show brings together past themes of loss of innocence, coming of age and an awkward self-awareness, referencing the artist’s upbringing as an only child with a lonely, transient existence. Open day, Saturday 28 November, 11am-5pm, then open by appointment only until 13 December. bo-lee.co.uk
31.Kensington Mums Christmas Family Fair, 29 November
Due to popular demand, Kensington Mums are organising their first ever Family Christmas fair this year. There will be stalls selling kids clothing and toys plus a gifts to a pamper corner just for mums. It’s free to attend and food and drinks will be available. Open 10am – 6pm at Kensington Town Hall. kensingtonmums.co.uk