It’s fair to say that London ranks pretty highly in the world’s most creative cities; with the 2012 World Cities Culture Report revealing that London has over 850 art galleries. The city is renowned for the Tate Modern and the National Gallery, so it’s natural for other galleries that are lesser known not to get as much coverage. Here are our top 5 handpicked, unconventional art galleries in the capital.
1. The Saatchi Gallery (nearest tube: Sloane Square)
Opened by Charles Saatchi in 1985, this gallery is perfectly placed in the pristine and affluent area of Sloane Square. Over recent years it has gained a large audience and, by exhibiting the contemporary art work of young, upcoming artists, it offers the opportunity to launch their career through exposure.
2. The Brick Lane Gallery (nearest tube: Liverpool Street)
Brick lane is located in East London, and is buzzing with creative and eccentric art that’s exhibited in both the galleries and the streets. The Brick Lane Gallery is an excellent place to appreciate contemporary fine art, as it exhibits a range of platforms including video, photography, paintings and sculptures.
3. The Hayward Gallery within the Southbank Centre (nearest tube: Waterloo)
This gallery was opened in 1968 by Her Majesty the Queen, and is within one of the few remaining buildings in the style of sixties Brutalist architecture. The building is equally as artistic as the innovative and adventurous artists that exhibit their work inside.
4. The Victoria Miro Gallery (nearest tube: Oxford Circus)
The Victoria Miro is unique in London for having a beautiful landscaped garden, which has been used to great effect by artists. The gallery celebrates exhibited work by innovative artists, as well as nurturing the talent of the future generation with workshops and seminars.
5. Lazarides Gallery (nearest tube: Tottenham Court Road)
Although the gallery is known to exhibit urban art there are often pieces reflecting contemporary figurative paintings and interactive installations. The gallery operates an open-door policy and maintains links with wider cultures.
Lets be alternative
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