Guildhall Art Gallery and London's Roman Amphitheatre

28/05/2026

🎨 This week’s explores Wallpaper, inspired by 'The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co' at Watts Gallery.

We've chosen:
🖌️ 'Design for Textile or Wallpaper' by Sheila Bownas
📍 Leeds Museums and Galleries

Born in Linton, Yorkshire, Sheila Bownas studied at the Slade School of Art and went on to work as a freelance designer. She sold designs to high‑profile clients including Liberty and Marks & Spencer, yet struggled to secure a permanent role within a design firm, likely reflecting the reluctance of employers in the 1950s and 60s to hire women.

When Bownas died in 2007, her work was more or less unknown. Hundreds of hand‑painted designs were discovered in her home studio and later brought to public attention by Chelsea Cefai, leading to a major retrospective exhibition in 2016/17.

This bold abstract design highlights her originality and enduring talent.

Art UK

27/05/2026

Thank you! 🎉 It’s been three months since our exhibition opened, and we’re still receiving wonderful reviews.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has visited, left a comment in our visitors’ book, or sent us a lovely note via social media.

If you haven’t seen it yet, feast your eyes on these striking paintings of London that take you above ground and deep underground - no Oyster card required. How could you resist? 🚇🎨

'Jock McFadyen with Jem Finer: Underground (and Surface)' is on until 20 September 2026

The Grey Gallery Visit the City of London

26/05/2026

⏳ Last Few Places Remaining for our Amphitheatre tour!

Don’t miss your chance to step back in time with our Tour of London’s Roman Amphitheatre on 30 May.

Discover the hidden remains of this ancient site beneath Guildhall Art Gallery and uncover the stories of London’s Roman past with expert insight along the way.

🎟️ Limited tickets left - book now before they’re gone!

On this guided tour, discover London's Roman Amphitheatre, one of the most important buildings in Roman London.

25/05/2026

🎨✨ Half Term Plans Sorted!

Join us on Wednesday 27 May for a fun-filled Family Day takeover at Guildhall Art Gallery.

Explore the immersive ‘Underground (and Surface)’ exhibition with a day full of engaging activities inspired by the artworks, and discover London’s Roman Amphitheatre along the way.

🖍️ Perfect for ages 3-13
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Free family-friendly activities

This half term, explore Jock McFadyen and Jem Finer’s London through large-scale collaborative painting and immersive soundscape workshops.

21/05/2026

🎨 To celebrate World Bee Day (20 May), we’re sharing this piece from📍Ashmolean Museum.

🦋 'Dragonflies and a Bumble Bee' by Wenceslaus Hollar.

Born in Prague, 17th‑century engraver Wenceslaus Hollar later worked in Britain under the patronage of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel.

Hollar is probably best known for his large panoramic views of various cities, including a before-and-after view of London showing the devastation caused by the Great Fire of 1666. However he also seems to have had an interest in natural history.

This finely detailed print highlights Hollar’s fascination with insects, capturing their delicate beauty and intricate forms. It’s a timely reminder, ahead of World Bee Day, of the vital role these small creatures play in our ecosystem. 🐝🌼

Art UK

19/05/2026

Looking for something creative to do this May? 🎨✨

Join us at Guildhall Art Gallery for two fantastic free family days packed with art, crafts, and storytelling:

👩‍🎨 City Creators Family Day: Community Takeover (Sat 23 May)
A vibrant day of hands-on activities led by local community groups. Experiment with materials, explore light and shadow, build shapes, create collages, and even contribute to a collective artwork.

🎭 May Half Term Family Day (Wed 27 May)
Celebrate the school holidays with arts, crafts, and storytelling inspired by the exhibition Underground (and Surface). Discover the work of Jock McFadyen and Jem Finer through fun, interactive activities across the gallery.

Bring the family and make a day of it.
🎟 Free (booking recommended).

18/05/2026

Discover a fascinating selection of items exploring the historic connections between America and London at the new City of London Heritage Gallery display.

Curated by The London Archives and FREE to visit until 29 October 2026. Find out more: https://www.thecityofldn.com/event/heritage-gallery-exhibition-america-and-london/

14/05/2026

Today we’re exploring Myths and Legends, inspired by Cornish Myths & Legends 📍Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery , for with Art UK

Our pick:
🌿 ‘The Spriggan’ by Marilyn Collins
📍 Parkland Walk Wildlife Trail

In Cornish folklore, a spriggan is a mischievous and often malicious creature, said to guard remote places and ancient tombs. And, in darker tales, to blight crops or steal babies from their cradles.

Marilyn Collins’ large outdoor sculpture brings this myth vividly to life. Emerging menacingly from a brick railway arch on North London’s Parkland Walk, the spriggan creates an unsettling encounter where modern urban space meets ancient folklore.

👀 Would you dare meet the spriggan face to face?

12/05/2026

“…Wincing at the screech of an approaching train and conscious of the eager push of the crowd, a weary commuter might cast their gaze downwards to the potential doom of the grime‑grey track. Seeking transcendence, they fix their attention on the ghostly silhouette of a missing poster, or an unfathomable jumble of cables…” - City AM.

Curious to discover more?

🚇 Jock McFadyen with Jem Finer: Underground (and Surface)
📍 Guildhall Art Gallery
🎟️ Pay what you can
🗓️ On until 20 September

Visit the City of London The Grey Gallery

04/05/2026

😎May is shaping up to be an exciting month at Guildhall Art Gallery.

Here’s your round‑up of activities for a culture‑packed month:

🎤 Discover the new America and London exhibition at the Heritage Gallery
🎨 Explore the immersive exhibition Underground (and Surface)
🏛️ Step back into Roman Londinium with our expert‑led tour of London’s Roman Amphitheatre on 30 May
🎨 Enjoy double creative fun for families at our Second Saturday Family Session on 9 May, and Family Day on 27 May.
🖼️ Join City of London Guides every Tuesday to Sunday for a free guided tour of the Gallery

👀 Keep an eye out for updates on curator‑led tours and special talks, coming soon.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Gallery🌞