The TMH Edit: five things to do this October
The climes have cooled, the leaves are turning crunchy and golden: as if with a flick of a switch, autumn has officially arrived. But if the change of seasons doesn’t excite you, this month’s The TMH Edit is sure to do the job. Our round-up of October’s very best cultural happenings includes a particularly design-focused assortment of things for you to do and see. From an exhibition on a celebrated Japanese-American artist at one of our favourite brutalist landmarks to the launch of our new magazine, plus a pop-up shop and exhibition at our headquarters, here are our top five picks for the month ahead.
Noguchi at the Barbican, London
The inimitable Japanese-American artist, sculptor and designer thought about art the way we think about well-designed homes: that it can improve the way people live. In this exquisite exhibition at London’s Barbican, a behemoth collection of Isamu Noguchi’s works – which include film, furniture and sculpture – has been thematically curated in a series of rooms, each inspired by a quote from the artist. Our highlight? Noguchi’s ‘Akari’ light sculptures, of course, which look as modern today as they did when they were conceived in 1951. Attendees can expect to leave in awe of Noguchi’s extensive contribution to the world of contemporary design. Until 9 January 2022.
Issue No.3 of The Modern House Magazine, a pop-up shop and an exhibition at our London headquarters
It’s here: issue No.3 of The Modern House Magazine is landing Thursday 7 October. To celebrate, we’re hosting a pop-up shop and photography exhibition at our headquarters in London on Friday 8 October (10am – 5pm) and Saturday 9 October (10am – 4pm). Here, you can view originally commissioned work from issue No.3 by the wonderful landscape photographer Catherine Hyland. Along with issue No.3, you can purchase items from brands featured in the magazine – including incense from Cremate London – plus old favourites from our online shop. Come and say hello at: The Modern House, St. Alphege, St King’s Bench St, London, SE1 0QX.
Sutapa Biswas: Lumen at Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge
It’s not like we ever need an excuse to visit the beautiful house-turned-gallery Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge, but this exhibition on the extraordinary British-Indian artist Sutapa Biswas has given us even more reason. The first substantial solo show on Biswas in 14 years does not disappoint: in particular, it showcases her contribution to the Black art movement in Britain, alongside seminal works from her four-decade career such as Housewives with Steak Knives and Kali. Pore over her thought-provoking work that tackles subjects such as beauty, power, race, migration, family, gender and identity – plus, a new major film commission, titled Lumen, about light in the darkest of times. From 16 October – 30 January 2022.
50 Vyner, London
An expertly sourced collection of minimalist Japanese and European furniture and design on one floor; over 100 works by a colourful spectrum of forward-thinking, contemporary artists on the other: what’s not to love about 50 Vyner? The two-storey gallery space spanning 5,550 sq ft is the project of long-term collaborators and friends Sophie Pearce of Béton Brut and Laura Fulmine of M.A.H. Following on from a well-received preview at London Design Week 2021, 50 Vyner is now open for your viewing pleasure every weekday.
Still Lives: In the Homes of Artists, Great and Unsung by Leslie Williamson
From 26 October, we recommend making space on your coffee table for this new photography tome, Still Lives: In the Homes of Artists, Great and Unsung. Leslie Williamson has captured the inspiring homes and studios of an array of 15 artists for her new title, lending insight into the way each creative lives and works. From Georgia O’Keeffe’s Abiquiú home to the aforementioned sculptor Isamu Noguchi’s Japanese retreat, revel in escapism or take inspiration for your home via Leslie’s insightful imagery. Now, this is our idea of a page turner.
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