With Christmas around the corner, here are six exciting events happening around London this December, from art exhibitions to festive competitions.
Robert Rauschenberg – until Apr 2017
The late, great Robert Rauschenberg anticipated the pop art movement in the second half of the twentieth century. Now you have the opportunity to view of his finest work in Southbank’s Tate Modern.
His career – which spanned six decades – saw him produce a wealth of iconic art prints, including ‘Retroactive I’ which featured former US president, John F Kennedy. Other famous pieces of Rauschenberg’s include ‘Monogram’ and ‘Tribute 21’.
The Tate’s Robert Rauschenberg exhibition opens from 10am to 6pm all days except Fridays, when it remains open until 10pm. Tickets are priced at £16.80, and can be bought via the Tate Modern’s official website. Those with valid student ID can purchase a ticket to the exhibition for £15.
David Bailey: NW1 – until Jan 2017
Until early next year, Soho’s HENI Gallery will be home to a wonderful collection of David Bailey’s NW1 photographs. Captured in the 1980s, these images depict a North West London that we’d all forgotten – or perhaps never knew in the first place.
The exhibition features iconic London locations such as Primrose Hill, as well as more understated settings such as Buck Street and Euston Road. Each image stands as a glimpse back in time, to when the streets of NW1 were rather more decayed than they are today.
The HENI Gallery is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 6pm, and the exhibition is free of charge to all visitors.
Monocle Christmas Market – 3 - 4 Dec
While you probably already know Winter Wonderland and the Southbank Centre Winter Market, the likelihood is you haven’t heard of the Monocle Christmas Market.
Running for two days only, head to Midori House on Dorset Street, Marylebone to enjoy the festivities away from the hustle and bustle of the larger Christmas attractions. With reindeer petting and an appearance from Monochan the owl, you’re certainly in for a magical experience.
The Monocle Christmas Market will be open from 11am on both Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free of charge, but any donations to the Committee to Protect Journalists will be welcome.
Museum of Architecture Gingerbread City – 7 - 22 Dec
This December, the Museum of Architecture is launching Gingerbread City, an exhibition and series of workshops combining the importance of architecture with a little festive spirit.
Sponsored by Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design, the winter fundraiser involves the purchase of a ‘plot of land’ within the exhibition, where you can then display your gingerbread creation. Visitors to the exhibition will then be able to vote for their favourites by giving donations – the building that makes the most money wins the competition.
Gingerbread City will be open daily from 10am to 7pm. Entry to the exhibition is free.
Illustrator's Christmas Fair – 10 Dec
Head down to Granary Square at King’s Cross on December 10 and browse the wonderful artwork that the Illustrator’s Christmas Fair has to offer.
From prints and posters to artist books and ceramics, the fair is the perfect place to buy a Christmas gift for the art-lover in your life, with more than 100 illustrators taking part this year. Exhibitors include Annie Clay, Emma Traynor and Van Nim.
The fair will be open from 11am to 6pm. Be sure to arrive early if you’re hoping to browse the full collection, as many pieces will have been snapped up by the end of the day.
Get Your Knit On! – 10 - 11 Dec
As a part of the Winter Festival, the Southbank Centre’s annual charity knitting project returns. Get Your Knit On! is now in its fourth year, providing you with an opportunity to have some fun and help a good cause at the same time.
This year’s event will see participants knitting scarves for the homeless. Visit the Clore Ballroom at the Royal Festival Hall on December 10 or 11 to take part. All scarves will be given to homeless people through the charity Crisis, which is the national charity for homeless people; and The Manna Society, who run a day centre in Southwark for homeless people.
Although some needles and wool will be provided, the organisers ask that anyone who can should bring their own along. Opening hours are 11am to 2pm Saturday and 11am to 1.30pm Sunday.