Public Events

Explore Londonโ€™s Art World

Join our community of art enthusiasts for thought provoking, imaginative, unpretentious events that explore the best of Londonโ€™s art world.

Meet like-minded people, explore private collections, discover the cityโ€™s hidden houses and blockbuster exhibitions โ€“ all brought to life by world-class experts.

Friday 28th February 11am -12.30pm

  • As the world turns to celebrate the re-opening of the great cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, this tour of the V&A Medieval Galleries will provide an understanding of the Medieval context in which such great cathedrals were constructed.  Historically termed the dark ages, this period was anything but dark.  Filled with great creative outpourings into stained glass, carved ivories, enamelled reliquaries and bejewelled embroideries, centres such as Paris, London, Limoges and York were hives of cultural and artistic activity.  Join us on this tour of one of the worlds greatest medieval collections to celebrate the Middle Ages in all its glory.

    ยฃ35

    Friday 28th February 11am-12.30pm

    [Please note there is a minimum number of participants for this tour to go ahead.]

Thursday 8th May 11am -12.30pm

  • You only need to turn over a ยฃ20 note to discover the importance of JMW Turner and his place in the hearts of Britons.  Born 250 years ago this year in London's Covent Garden, he is often described as the father of modern painting.  His innovative brushwork along with his bold use of colour led to his famous quote 'light is therefore colour.' On this fascinating tour with your expert guide, discover his rise to fame, his obsession with the sea and his long running rivalry with John Constable.  Explore the largest ever collection of Turner paintings under one roof - his gift to the nation.

    ยฃ40

    Thursday 8th May 11am-12.30pm at Tate Britain

    [Please note there is a minimum number of participants for this tour to go ahead.]

Friday 27th June 11am -12.30pm

  • The south side of London Bridge has always been considered the more insalubrious part of the city! Historically crammed with theatres, bear-baiting pits, the Stews and the notorious Clink prison, this was an area that William Shakespeare and his Lord Chamberlain's Men knew well.  As you meander the banks of the River Thames with your knowledgeable guide, find out who the Bishop of Winchester's Geese were as well as the location of Chaucer's famous Tabard Inn. Marvel at Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hinde and view the River through an entirely new lens.

    ยฃ35

    Friday 27th June 11am-12.30pm

    [Please note there is a minimum number of participants for this tour to go ahead.]

FORTHCOMING TOURS ABOVE

PAST

Glories of the Gothic: Westminster Abbey

15th November, 10:30am - 12:00pm

  • Immerse yourself in the architectural splendor and historical grandeur of Westminster Abbey with our "Glories of the Gothic" tour. Step into this iconic masterpiece of Gothic architecture and be awed by its soaring arches, intricate stone carvings, and magnificent stained glass windows. As we navigate through the hallowed halls, you'll learn about the Abbey's rich history, from its foundation in the 10th century to its role as the coronation church of British monarchs. Discover the final resting places of kings, queens, poets, and scientists, and hear the fascinating stories behind these illustrious figures. This tour offers a unique glimpse into the artistry and heritage of one of London's most revered landmarks, celebrating the enduring beauty and significance of Gothic architecture.

    ยฃ63

    10:30am - 12:00pm

PAST

Wonders of the Ancient World at the British Museum

20th September, 11:00am - 12:30pm

  • Embark on an enchanting journey through time with a tour of the British Museum, where we uncover the wonders of the ancient world. Marvel at the grandeur of the Rosetta Stone, the intricate beauty of the Elgin Marbles, and the mesmerizing artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and beyond. Our expert guide will provide fascinating insights into the history, culture, and significance of these timeless treasures, bringing to life the stories of ancient civilizations. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of human history, all within the iconic halls of one of the world's greatest museums.

    ยฃ35

    11am - 12:30pm

PAST

Celebrating 200 years of the National Gallery - 10 must see paintings

24th May, 11:am - 12:15pm

  • 2024 marks the 200 year anniversary of the National Gallery. To celebrate this momentous milestone, join art historian Anna Warrillow at the National Gallery to look at the top 10 knockout paintings in their collection.

    ยฃ35

    11am - 12:15pm

PAST

Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know at the National Portrait Gallery

23rd February, 11:00am- 12:00pm

  • Join art historian Linda Bolton at the National Portrait Gallery to look at some of the colourful characters of British history. From Byron to Bloomsbury in seven easy stages, we will consider poets, artists, and reformers whose lives and times changed British cultural life.

    ยฃ30

    11am - 12 pm

PAST

โ€˜DECK THE WALLS!โ€™: The Christmas Story Through Art

14th December, 11:00am- 12:15pm

  • Get yourself into the Festive spirit at the National Gallery this December. Join art historian Anna Warrillow as you journey through the wonderful collection of Annunciations, Nativities and Adorations, painted by some of the most famous artists in history. As we travel through the Christmas story, we will be looking at works by Masaccio, Filippino Lippi, Botticelli, Crivelli, and Leonardo, amongst other. Beautiful works of art that will leave you filled with joyful cheer as you head into the Festive season.

    ยฃ28

    11am - 12:15 pm

  • Enjoy a private tour of The Faringdon Collection at Lord Faringdonโ€™s London home with the curator, Dr Amy Lim. 

    ยฃ32

    10:30am - 12:00 pm

    Tea and coffee followed by private tour

PAST

MORNING SESSION: Private tour of the Faringdon Collection, Brompton Sq

2nd November, 10:30am- 12:00pm

  • Enjoy a private tour of The Faringdon Collection at Lord Faringdonโ€™s London home with the curator, Dr Amy Lim. 

    ยฃ32

    10:30am - 12:00 pm

    Tea and coffee followed by private tour

PAST

AFTERNOON SESSION: Private tour of the Faringdon Collection, Brompton Sq

2nd November, 3 - 4:30pm

  • Enjoy a private tour of The Faringdon Collection at Lord Faringdonโ€™s London home with the curator, Dr Amy Lim. 

    ยฃ32

    3 - 4:30 pm

    Tea and coffee followed by private tour

PAST

Hilma Af Klint & Piet Mondrian exhibition Tour

29th June 2023, 10 - 11:30am

  • Join ArtscapesUK's expert guide, Claudia Merkle for a private tour of Hilma af Klint & Piet Mondrian exhibition at Tate Modern.

    ยฃ55

    1๏ปฟ0:00AM - 10:30AM: Coffee at the Tate Modern Cafe

    1๏ปฟ0:30AM - 11:30AM: Private Tour with Claudia Merkle

PAST

Private tour of Leighton House with Rose Balston

9th March 2023, 6:15 - 8pm

  • We are delighted to invite you to join Art Historian and ArtscapesUK Founding Director, Rose Balston, for an evening at Leighton House - the former studio-house of the great Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton.

    This promises to be a very memorable evening steeped in inspiring storytelling amongst mesmerising art and awe-inspiring interiors.

    Event Timings

    6:15pm - 7:00pm : Drinks + Canapรฉs

    7:00pm - 8:00pm: A Private Tour of Leighton House

PAST

A visit to Frameless with the Curator

  • Frameless is a brand new culturally rich, immersive, multi-dimensional art experience - curated by Rosie O'Connor and Rose Balston from ArtscapesUK.

    You will be welcomed by the curator of Frameless, ArtscapesUK's Rosie O'Connor with tea and coffee and an introduction to the experience. Then explore the four immersive galleries at your own pace. Rosie will be on hand throughout to answer any questions.

20th January 2023, 11am - 1pm

PAST

A Tour of St Jamesโ€™s & Spencer House

7th July 2022, 11 - 1pm

  • Join Artscapes UK for a jaunt around St Jamesโ€™s followed by an exclusive tour of Spencer House.

    Itinerary:

    11am-12pm Walking tour of St. Jamesโ€™s

    12-1pm Exclusive Tour of Spencer House Spencer House with coffee and goody bag

PAST

St Bartholomew The Great by candlelight

30th November 2022, 6pm - 8pm

  • Join us for a spine-tingling welcome to the Christmas season at the exceptional church of St Bartholomew the Great in Smithfields.

    The evening will start with mulled wine and mince pies to warm us before beginning a candlelit tour to reveal the hidden corners of the most other-worldly and ancient of churches, home to Damien Hirstโ€™s astonishing golden statue of Saint Bartholomew among other gems.

    In true festive spirit we will be bringing this most precious and revered site even further to life with a very special Christmas recital from one of Londonโ€™s most charismatic counter-tenors.

PAST

Online Talk - Art and Our Climate: A Story of Ice and Time with Rose Balston

The talk will released 22nd April at 12:30pm and will be available to view for one week

PAST

Cornelia Parker exhibition tour at Tate Britain

15th September 2022, 10 - 11:30am

  • Experience Cornelia Parkerโ€™s mesmerising large-scale installations with ArtscapesUK expert Claudia Merkle.

    Cornelia Parker is one of Britain's best loved and most acclaimed contemporary artists. Always driven by curiosity, she reconfigures domestic objects to question our relationship with the world. Using transformation, playfulness and storytelling, she engages with important issues of our time, be it violence, ecology or human rights.