February 2009

February is a tres chic month with the latest trends revealed at London Fashion Week and a display of designer hats next door the V & A, not to mention the flashing of sequins as Strictly Come Dancing comes to the stage. On a less sartorial note, February 12th marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin, while the 19th sees the opening of Shah Abbas, the first of three blockbuster exhibitions at the British Museum this year.

Destinations - The Holiday and Travel Show

Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, SW5 9TA
5th February 2009 - 8th February 2009

The only really sensible cure for the dragging tail-end of winter is to do some serious thinking about the glamorous spots you could be jetting off to in a few months time. From trekking across high mountains to diving through deepest seas, there is a wealth of options on display at this holiday and travel show to suit all tastes (though it's definitely aimed at those with larger budgets). Celebrity speakers at Earls Court include BBC presenters Dan Cruickshank and Kate Humble, actor and motorcyclist Charley Boorman and travel expert Simon Calder. There's also a 'Meet the Expert' theatre where you can book in for sessions with celebs as well as other travel experts.

More info: Destinations - The Holiday and Travel Show Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour!

The O2, London, SE10 0PE
5th February 2009 - 8th February 2009

As reality TV shows go, especially ones with Brucie "Nice to see you..." Forsyth CBE presenting, this one’s really rather good. 'Strictly Come Dancing' appeals to every generation. You can watch it with your mum and, try as you might, you can't resist having an opinion about Rachel Stevens' dress, Tom Chambers' Argentine Tango, Craig Revel Horwood's quiff, Bruce's jokes and who fancies who. If you've ever watched at home on a Saturday night and wished you could be in the studio audience, now's your chance as 'Strictly' goes on tour. The live shows, coming to the O2's vast arena (and before this, Wembley Arena for two nights) follow much the same format as the BBC series - basically, the celebs with their professional dance partners take to the floor before the judges tear them to shreds or sing their praises. Still, if you're a 'Strictly' fan, you’ll have a ball!

More info: Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour! Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Happy Birthday Charles Darwin

Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD
12th February 2009

February 12th marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin and to honour the occasion there's a supporting series of nationwide events. In London, these celebrations focus, naturally enough, on the Natural History Museum. Among the events at the museum is a new permanent artwork called 'Tree' by Tania Kovats, and 'Darwin' - an exhibition dedicated to the life of the great scientist. Also in London, the author of the influential 'On the Origin of Species' is celebrated at Conway Hall at the annual Darwin Day Lecture, when Sir David King talks on issues that Darwin would have keenly debated, including the future of science in Britain. There's a useful website www.darwin200.org with full listings of events taking place across the country.

More info: Happy Birthday Charles Darwin Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Rodchenko & Popova: Defining Constructivism

Tate Modern, London, SE1 9TG
12th February 2009 - 17th May 2009

The term Construction Art was first used by Kazimir Malevich to describe the work of Russian avant-garde artist Alexander Rodchenko in 1917, in less than flattering terms. Tate Modern's exhibition uses over 350 art objects, largely by Alexander Rodchenko and Lyubov Popova, to illustrate the intellectual concerns of the Constructivism movement. Rodchenko and Popova, leading lights of Russian Constructivism, believed art should be used for practical purposes, to transform everyday life. Works proving their point include abstract paintings, three-dimensional constructions, posters, books, and costumes, the influence of which can still be seen in everything from cinema to graphic design today.

More info: Rodchenko & Popova: Defining Constructivism Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Brit Insurance Design Awards

Design Museum, London, SE1 2YD
12th February 2009 - 14th June 2009

The House of Viktor & Rolf, the Big Brother logo and Oslo Opera House are all up for discussion at the Brit Insurance Design Awards. This small selection just goes to show the diversity of design considered for this prestigious prize. The awards, chaired by Alan Yentob, are divided into seven categories: Architecture, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Interactive, Product and Transport. These are designs that surround us, influence us or affect us daily. Environmentally considerate designs are especially encouraged - as last year's winner, One Laptop per Child, shows. A long-running and undoubtedly popular event for 2009.

More info: Brit Insurance Design Awards Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Mark Wallinger's The Russian Linesman

Southbank Centre: The Hayward, London, SE1 8XZ
18th February 2009 - 4th May 2009

Football is the unlikely premise for this group exhibition at the Hayward, the first to be curated by 2007 Turner Prize-winning artist Mark Wallinger. The Russian Linesman of the show's title refers to the referee who called a controversial line decision in the 1966 World Cup final between England and Germany. In taking this as his starting point, Wallinger examines how boundaries and perceptions can shift. The artist-turned-curator uses art works spanning 800 years, including pieces by Albrecht Durer, trompe l'oeil paintings and Victorian stereoscopic photographs to make his point.

More info: Mark Wallinger's The Russian Linesman Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Shah Abbas: The Remaking of Iran

British Museum, WC1B 3DG
19th February 2009 - 14th June 2009

Following sell-out shows of the Chinese Terracotta Army and Hadrian, the British Museum has established itself as a pioneering force for blockbuster exhibitions. This year, the museum kicks things off with a display dedicated to Shah Abbas in the central, circular Reading Room space. A significant figure in the history of Iran, Shah Abbas ruled the country for over forty years, from 1587 to 1629 and is still regarded as one of country's founding fathers. Battles and trade laws established under his rule forged the boundaries of the country today. In the exhibition are four key sites: Isfahan (or Esfahan) and the three Shi'i shrine cities, Mashhad, Ardabil and Qum. On display are loans of important paintings, manuscripts, ceramics, silks and carpets, many never before seen outside of Iran.

More info: Shah Abbas: The Remaking of Iran Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Deutsche Borse Photography Prize

Photographers' Gallery, W1F 7LW
20th February 2009 - 12th April 2009

The £30,000 Deutsche Borse Photography Prize rewards the living photographer, of any nationality, who has made the most significant contribution to the medium of photography during the past year. The four shortlisted artists for this year's prize are: Paul Graham, Emily Jacir, Tod Papageorge and Taryn Simon. American photographer Taryn Simon has been nominated for her exhibition 'An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar' which was shown at The Photographers' Gallery in their former Newport Street home two years ago. The winner is announced half-way through the exhibition at an awards ceremony at the gallery on 25th March.

More info: The Deutsche Borse Photography Prize Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

London Fashion Week - the Exhibition

Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD
21st February 2009 - 24th February 2009

Celebrating 25 years in its current form, London Fashion Week is where the top designers reveal the hottest trends - months ahead of when we'll actually be wearing them. The imposing Natural History Museum buildings on Exhibition Road make a suitably glamorous background for the designers' posh frocks to be flaunted to full effect. It's all wildly exclusive, of course, and the general public have no chance of getting tickets to the main event. However there's always The Exhibition at London Fashion Week where more than 210 designers flog their collections at reduced prices. London Fashion Weekend (4th-8th March) also offers a chance to visit the stalls and combine fashion with beauty consultations, hair demonstrations and shows. It's a great way to get a head start on next season's trends.

www.londonfashionweek.co.uk
www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk

More info: London Fashion Week Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Killers

The O2, London, SE10 0PE
23rd February 2009 & 24th February 2009

The Las Vegas new-wavers are back in London at a venue that would fit right into their hometown. After their last gig, the Guardian described them as a band that had "reached a crossroads and made the right choice", and that sounds about right to us. It's over four years since their breathtaking set at the New Bands' tent at Glastonbury launched them in this country. The difficult second album set them up to be another bland stadium outfit, but their new material is as madly over-the-top as 'Hot Fuss' and just as much fun. The Killers are one of the best live bands in the world right now.

More info: The Killers Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Great Spitalfields Pancake Race

Old Truman Brewery, London, E1 6QL
24th February 2009

In celebration of Shrove Tuesday, pancake enthusiasts leg it down Dray Walk in Spitalfields, with a frying pan and slab of batter for a relay race with a difference. All participants need is a team of four spirited souls happy to run around and toss the odd pancake. "Athletes" have to run from one point to the next, flipping the pancake successfully a few times on the way. The heats kick off at 12.30pm, followed by the finals and then the ceremonial prize-giving. There's an award for the best-dressed team too so pick a theme and don the appropriate garb - however ridiculous. It's a really eccentric occasion made only better by the wandering clowns and the string band playing in the background. To enter a team, contact Alternative Arts at www.alternativearts.co.uk. Try and get sponsorship or at least bring a donation. Apart from that, all you need is a frying pan - pancakes are provided.

More info: The Great Spitalfields Pancake Race Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones

Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum, Porter Gallery, London, SW7 2RL
24th February 2009 - 10th May 2009

Hat designer Stephen Jones has delved into the V & A archives and pulled out 300 of his favourite headpieces. Names that come top of the hat designers' list include Philip Treacy, Mitza Bricard for Christian Dior, and Vladzio d'Attainville for Balenciaga. These modern designs are displayed along with more historic headwear including Prince Albert's top hat and a bonnet worn by Queen Victoria - the monarchs who established the museum and after whom it is named. So much more than a means of keeping your head dry, the hat is both a fashion fixture and a cultural statement.

More info: Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Picasso: Challenging the Past

National Gallery, Sainsbury Wing, WC2N 5DN
25th February 2009 - 7th June 2009

At first glance staging a Picasso exhibition at the National Gallery seems an anachronism - the National being well established as the home to Old Masters like Rubens and Rembrandt. The Times billed this venture as the "Clash of the Titians", as the National Gallery moves in on the Tate Modern's territory. Undoubtedly one of the most influential artist of the 20th century, it will be interesting to see Pablo Picasso's surreal shapes alongside works of the great artists whom he pitted himself against. Picasso was particularly interested in European artists like El Greco, Velázquez and Goya as well as Rembrandt, Manet and Cézanne. At this exhibition, displaying around 60 works by Picasso, the influence of these artists can be clearly seen thanks to the gallery's impressive permanent Old Masters collection.

More info: Picasso: Challenging the Past Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Gerhard Richter Portraits

National Portrait Gallery, WC2H 0HE
26th February 2009 - 31st May 2009

Following a highly successful solo show at the Serpentine Gallery at the end of last year, Gerhard Richter returns to London with this high-profile exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. Variously credited as one of the world's greatest living artists and described as the German Andy Warhol, there's no dispute Gerhard Richter is a significant talent. The focus here is - as you would expect at this gallery - on Gerhard's portraits. His depictions of people begin with early black and white paintings from the 1960s inspired by magazine photographs. A highlight to look out for is his '48 Portraits', a celebrated series of historic figures, painted for the German pavilion at the 1972 Venice Biennale.

More info: Gerhard Richter Portraits Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube