AboutLondon Laura – May 2025
Did you try any of my recommendations from last month? Evelyn De Morgan: The Modern Painter in Victorian London at the Guildhall Art Gallery still really appeals as I do love a bit of Pre-Raphaelite art. Hopefully, I’ll see that later this year.
Alleyways
There’s a lot more joy to London’s alleyways than many news sources would suggest. Obviously, heading down a narrow path at night may not be the best move, but a daytime spontaneous turn into an unknown backstreet can bring wonder and discovery.
When I discussed this with friends, everyone mentioned Brydges Place, WC2 (near Trafalgar Square). As you can see, this is incredibly narrow at the St Martin’s Lane junction. At the narrowest point, it’s just 1 foot 3 inches (0.38 m) wide. You can find it next to The London Coliseum where you can see some lovely ballet or opera.
The alleyway widens about halfway down and connects to the edge of Covent Garden at the junction of Bedfordbury and Chandos Place (near the back of the police station).
Covent Garden has more of these evocative passages. Goodwin’s Court is just a few minutes walk away (off Bedfordbury, near New Row junction). The entrance is opposite an old gas street lamp which only adds to the ‘olde worlde’ Harry Potter vibes of the Court. The bow-fronted windows do make it look like Diagon Alley but there’s no evidence this was used for inspiration. Nearby Cecil Court used to make this claim but has got fed up with the tour groups.
Do you follow Jack Chesher, better known as Living London History? He regularly posts wonderful snippets of London knowledge that are enjoyable to share. He has a new book out: London: The Hidden Corners For Curious Wanderers which I’m looking forward to getting soon. (The link is from Jack’s account so he may get commission on sales.)
Before I even knew about Jack’s book, I wanted to recommend Ian’s excellent series on London’s Alleys and Passages. The research he adds is fascinating making a short, unnoticed path into a story. And providing lots of inspiration for exploring new areas.
So, do you have a favourite London alleyway? Locals use many as simple cut-throughs to reduce a journey but it’s always enjoyable to find out more about why it’s still there.
What’s Happening This Month?
There are two large London art and cultural celebrations this month – and they happen on the same weekend.
The National Gallery is reopening the Sainsbury Wing after transformation work for its 200th anniversary. A major redisplay of its collection has been announced too. When it opens to the public on 10th May 2025, the National Gallery’s redisplay will feature rooms dedicated to individual artists including Titian, Rembrandt and Monet.
The other biggie is Tate Modern’s 25th Birthday Weekender – a free celebration of art, music, making and performance. Running from Friday 9th to Monday 12th May, there’s live music and DJs, talks, workshops, tours and a host of free experiences alongside special food and drink offers and more.
In other news, the British Library has Unearthed: The Power of Gardening opening on 2nd May. It explores the transformative, enriching and sometimes radical power of gardening in Britain and how it impacts people, communities and the environment.
This month’s ‘Archives on Show’ at The London Archives is London in the Second World War. This free event on 9th May allows you access to curated documents from the archives with Archivists available so you can ask lots of questions.
8th May marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day to end the Second World War) so there are a lot of celebrations happening across the UK. Beacons are being lit in many locations at 9.30 pm that day. I won’t have to travel far, as the church next door to my new home in Wales will have a beacon on top of the tower.
Back to things to do in London, Encounters: Giacometti at the Barbican looks good. One of the most significant European sculptors of the 20th century, Alberto Giacometti is known for his distinctive, elongated sculptures which experiment with the human form. And it’s not just his works as three female artists have their work presented alongside.
This month is your last chance to see the current Space Gallery at the Science Museum. After almost 40 years, the Exploring Space gallery will close on 2nd June with a new Space gallery opening in autumn 2025.
An anniversary the kids might want to join in on is the 80th anniversary of Tove Jansson’s iconic Moomins. Moomin 80: Open House is at Southbank Centre from 23rd May to 1 June. I’m a Moomins fan so may borrow a small child so I can visit.