- Tat London
- Jul 28
- 14 min read
Updated: Aug 11
It always seems to happen around this time of year — everyone starts saying, “Oh my goodness, where has the summer gone?” Well, friend, let me tell you: it hasn’t gone anywhere. We’re slap bang in the middle of it, and I for one am not ready to fast-forward. Let the children run wild in the grass, and let us grown-ups savour August — that glorious month when the city slows down, and the odd Friday off feels practically medicinal. With all these lazy, golden hours ahead, we say let’s fill them: with plays, art, brocantes, and as much good old-fashioned human interaction as we can cram into the coming weeks.
Week Commencing 28th July
The Bible of British Taste celebrates the charm of lived-in, characterful British style, embracing antiques, handmade pieces, and the layers of history found in real homes. Drawing inspiration from William Morris, the Bloomsbury set, and today’s creative tastemakers, Ruth Guilding examines the enduring fascination with domestic life and self-expression. Featuring hundreds of evocative photographs of interiors, gardens, and folk art, and including insights from figures such as Sir Roy Strong, Jasper Conran, and Ben Pentreath, it offers a definitive celebration of Britain’s most distinctive and unconventional interiors.
Vivie Warren is a fiercely independent woman forging a legal career in a man’s world, estranged from the mother whose secrets funded her success. Mrs. Warren, shaped by a patriarchal society, has profited from its darkest corners—but at what price? Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter star together for the first time in this bold reimagining of Shaw’s provocative classic, directed by Dominic Cooke.
Tickets From £25
With over 400 shows confirmed, the 2025 Camden Fringe is set to be their biggest festival yet! Taking place across North London this August, the Camden Fringe celebrates all forms of performing arts—from comedy and cabaret to theatre, dance and more. Founded in 2006 as an alternative to Edinburgh, the festival champions creativity, inclusivity and experimentation for performers at every stage.
Visit YSP to experience two powerful new exhibitions by Felicity Aylieff and Laura Ellen Bacon. In Expressions in Blue, renowned ceramicist Aylieff presents towering porcelain sculptures—up to five metres high—adorned with bold, abstract brushstrokes in classic blue and white. Set in The Weston Gallery and the surrounding landscape, this striking display is a must-see this spring.
Edward Burra was a singular voice in 20th-century British art, known for his vivid, satirical watercolours depicting urban life and queer culture in the 1920s. This major London retrospective—the first in 40 years—explores his bold style, global outlook, and fascination with marginalised communities. Featuring over 80 works, alongside archive material, the exhibition offers fresh insight into Burra’s life, influences and artistic process.
Price: £18
Celebrate 15 years of The Country Brocante at the Summer in Sussex Fair 2025, set in the meadow at Rowner Farm near Wisborough Green. Over two days, explore 100+ exhibitors offering antiques, vintage finds, artisan design, and garden treasures. Enjoy talks from Clare Foster, Elizabeth Metcalfe, Bex Partridge, and Ali Heath, plus workshops and demos from makers including Magpie & The Wardrobe, Lou Tonkin, Chalk & Paisley, and Thomas Smith’s Trug Shop. A joyful celebration of creativity and countryside charm.
Tickets: From £0 – £28
The much-loved Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza returns at South Cerney Airfield to mark its spectacular 50th anniversary. Hosted by the Stroud Vintage Transport & Engine Club, the event features thousands of vintage vehicles, three live arenas, countryside displays, and family-friendly entertainment. Recognised as one of the UK’s top heritage festivals, highlights include steam engines, classic cars, retro fashion, live music, and rural skills demos—plus a popular Animal & Countryside Arena with dog shows, falconry, and more. A nostalgic summer weekend for all ages.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a three-week celebration of the performing arts held every August. It began in 1947 when eight theatre groups, not invited to the official Edinburgh International Festival, staged their own shows on its outskirts. Their defiant spirit gave rise to the name and the event itself. Today, the Fringe is one of the world’s largest arts festivals, drawing millions to enjoy and take part in performances of every kind.
Textile designer, Alison Gee is opening the doors to her brand new fabric and wallpaper showroom in the delightfully pretty hilltop village of Brill, Buckinghamshire. A treat for interior designers, curtain makers, upholsterers, and anyone with a soft spot for beautifully made things, the showroom showcases Alison’s hand-painted designs, all sustainably printed here in the UK. The collection is thoughtfully created to mix and match with ease. With sweeping countryside views and a location just a hop from London, Oxford, Thame, and Bicester Village, Brill makes a perfect day out – and now, an even better one.
For 14 weeks only, Duncan Macmillan’s award-winning one-person show Every Brilliant Thing makes its West End premiere from 1st August. Co-directed by Jeremy Herrin, this global phenomenon will be performed by five acclaimed actors including Minnie Driver, Lenny Henry, Jonny Donohoe, Ambika Mod and Sue Perkins. Uplifting, moving and often funny, the play follows a child who begins a list to help their mother through depression—one that grows and transforms their own life.
Explore the architecture of the National Portrait Gallery, first designed in 1896 by Ewan Christian and recently transformed by Jamie Fobert Architects after a three-year closure. Join an expert guide at 15.00 for a 45‑minute tour through the revitalised spaces, discovering newly revealed windows, doors, and architectural details hidden for decades.
Between Sky and Sea – London Edition is a powerful photography exhibition by the late Palestinian artist Ismail Abu Hatab, created remotely from Gaza during the 2023–2024 war. Through immersive visuals and sound, it captures the harsh reality of displacement along Gaza’s coastline, where tents offered little shelter from war and weather. Set within a symbolic tent, the exhibition foregrounds human experience, memory, and resilience. Presented by BYPA – By Palestine in partnership with Palestine House, this is the London premiere following its U.S. debut.
Ticket: £15
Discover London’s second largest Conservatory and explore a hidden tropical oasis, filled with exotic plants and tranquil beauty.
This summer, seventeen artists reflect on the everyday routines that ground, sustain, and elevate them. From quiet pleasures to meaningful habits, Rituals explores how repetition shapes their lives. Featuring new voices like Alanna Eakin, Beau Roberts, and Kuda Mushangi alongside gallery favourites Martha Zmpounou and Mandy Payne, this thoughtfully curated show promises depth, beauty, and connection.
Following last year’s success, Brat Climpson’s Arch will host its Summer Party. Meedu Saad will serve a Mediterranean-inspired à la carte lunch, featuring grilled squid, oysters, beef skewers and more, while Tutto offers fresh summer wines. Ed Wilson and friends will provide the soundtrack, taking guests from lunch through to late-night dancing.
Week Commencing 4th August
Join National Art Library and V&A Archive staff for a short talk, featuring a surprise item from the collections. Discover extraordinary books, archives, or objects, ask questions, and enjoy the Victorian splendour of the Library’s historic Reading Rooms.
Inspired by Marco Polo’s historic travels, Yu Lap Tang set out to explore Italy during his stay in Europe between 2020 and 2021. With a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and history, he photographed the country through the eyes of a ‘youthful senior’. His images offer a personal yet thoughtful reflection on Italy’s enduring beauty and timeless legacy.
Join Tate Britain for LGBTQIA+ tours exploring the collection through the lens of gender identity and sexuality. These guided visits offer fresh perspectives on artworks, highlighting queer histories and voices within the Tate Collection.
Join them on the National Portrait Gallery forecourt for hands-on creativity. Sculpt a clay self-portrait with Clayground Collective, contribute to The People’s Portrait open-air display, and try your hand at Speed Portraits. Watch live artists at work, learn their techniques, and participate in an evening celebrating art, identity, and portrait-making.
Edinburgh International Book Festival, 9th - 24th August, Edinburgh Futures Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 1 Lauriston Pl, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is the world’s leading celebration of words, literature, and ideas. Every August, it brings together over 600 events featuring the most exciting writers and thinkers from around the globe to inspire imaginations, foster connections, and challenge the status quo.
Week Commencing 11th August
‘Speed Painting: The Quick Portrait in Oils’, 12th August, 6 - 8:45 pm, The Gallery at Green & Stone, 251 - 253 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6HY
This summer, join Oscar Jin for a fast-paced portrait workshop focused on capturing the essence of the sitter using oil paint. Oscar begins with a demonstration, showing how to use tonal values, colour temperature, and facial ‘anchor points’ to build structure and proportion. Participants then create a series of 10–20 minute portraits from a life model, working from various angles. The workshop encourages expressive brushwork and creative flow, helping painters move beyond perfectionism. Attendees will leave with bold, characterful portraits that reflect the energy of the session.
Ticket: £45
London Designed at Dreweatts celebrates the distinctive styles of renowned interior designers Peter Mikic and the late Richard Collins. The sale showcases treasures from two elegant residences, featuring pieces by Rose Uniacke, Robert Kime, and more. From Collins' timeless sophistication to Mikic’s bold glamour, the event captures two iconic design perspectives. A rare opportunity for collectors to acquire pieces curated by two celebrated tastemakers.
Enjoy a summer’s day out at RHS Rosemoor with stunning floral displays, live music, and expert talks. Browse quality plants, garden tools, and unique stalls from specialist nurseries and producers. Hear from top gardeners like Carol Klein and get advice from RHS experts. Don’t miss flower arranging demos and the chance to take home a beautiful creation.
Max Radford Gallery, in collaboration with Clink Street Ceramics, is delighted to announce the forthcoming Group Show, Dry Cleaning. Following an overwhelming response to the open call, the exhibition will present a fresh perspective on the diverse creative scene they are privileged to engage with. Hosted in a former greengrocer’s warehouse in Borough, Dry Cleaning will explore the nuanced intersections of design, art, craft, and architecture, serving as a local barometer of contemporary practice. Full details of contributors and visiting information will be shared soon.
Dreams. You don’t compromise on those. Lip and Ruth have traded city life for a rural farm, determined to live differently and better. But their quiet experiment is upended when Ruth’s stepdaughter and her bold friend arrive, bringing clashing ideas of the future that collide with the present. Mike Bartlett’s Juniper Blood, directed by James Macdonald, is a gripping exploration of the price of ideals in an imperfect world, starring Terique Jarrett, Hattie Morahan, Nadia Parkes, Jonathan Slinger and Sam Troughton.
20km Enchanting Churches, Stately Homes & Ancient Woods of Hertfordshire, 17th August, Outdooraholics, King’s Cross, Euston Road, London, N1 9AL
Explore Hertfordshire’s historic heartland on this scenic walk through ancient woodland, peaceful hamlets, and along the old Ayot Greenway railway. Pass the ruins of medieval churches, follow the River Lea, and visit Shaw’s Corner, once home to George Bernard Shaw. Enjoy sweeping views of Brocket Hall and discover the area’s unique blend of natural beauty and garden city heritage.
Tickets: £34.29
Week Commencing 18th August
Prepare for an unforgettable journey as the acclaimed production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe arrives at Sadler’s Wells. Follow Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter into the magical world of Narnia, where courage, sacrifice and love triumph over darkness. Blending puppetry, captivating storytelling and live music, this spellbinding show brings C.S. Lewis’s classic to life in its 75th anniversary year—a theatrical treat for all ages.
Prices From: £15
Visitors can enjoy an expertly guided tour of the gardens created by Robert Stayner Holford and his family. Discover the history behind the estate while exploring the restored lake, elegant Italian Gardens, Camellia House, and many other highlights of these beautifully landscaped grounds.
From cult favourites to international gems, audiences can enjoy world-class open-air cinema with street food, drinks, and sweeping views of the London skyline at the Barbican Centre. Guests are invited to explore the market, unwind in the lush conservatory, and watch the sunset before the screening begins. Seating opens 30 minutes prior to showtime.
This summer, the Garden Museum hosts a pop-up exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Rachel ‘Bunny’ Mellon – visionary garden designer and patron of the arts. Presented with de Gournay and the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, Bunny Mellon: A Life in Bloom showcases rare artworks, manuscripts and botanical illustrations from her collection. These pieces inspired de Gournay’s latest hand-painted designs, reflecting Mellon’s enduring love of gardens and craftsmanship. Set against immersive backdrops, the display offers a serene tribute to her refined, nature-driven aesthetic.
This summer, visitors are invited to Art in a Topiary Garden, an Open Garden and Studio event, at Balmoral Cottage. Guests can explore the charming topiary garden and creative studio at their leisure, with no tickets required for entry. Voluntary donations to charity are welcome at the gate, offering the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy the gardens, and discover the artistry behind the studio’s work.
Notting Hill Carnival, 24th - 25th August, 34-35 Powis Square, London, W11 2AY
Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture held every August Bank Holiday weekend in London. Featuring colourful parades, dazzling costumes, live music, and delicious street food, it brings the streets of Notting Hill to life. It’s one of Europe’s largest street festivals, drawing crowds from around the world.
Week Commencing 25th August
Legado – A Contemporary Spanish Restaurant by Nieves Barragán Mohacho. Legado is the second solo restaurant from Chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho, celebrating the diverse regional cuisines of Spain and its islands. From humble family dishes to celebratory feasts, each plate reflects the depth and warmth of Spanish cooking. Born in the Basque town of Santurtzi and now a leading figure in London’s food scene, Barragán Mohacho brings decades of expertise to Legado, following the success of her first solo venture, Sabor.
This evening event explores the making of Two Temple Place and its broader historical context. Ben Alsop examines William Waldorf Astor as a maker; Claire Jones reflects on material and surface in the decorative arts; and Constance Booker considers Astor’s historicist interiors and collecting practices. Together, the speakers reveal Astor’s creative process and his use of history as personal narrative.
From £9.38
Chatsworth Country Fair is one of England’s most spectacular outdoor events, set in the stunning 1,000-acre parkland of Chatsworth House. Over three exciting days, enjoy thrilling Grand Ring displays, cookery masterclasses, delicious food, shopping, and hands-on family fun—from vintage fairground rides to climbing walls and bungee trampolines.
In this one-day glassblowing class, suitable for beginners, you can learn the fundamentals of working with hot glass from experienced makers. You’ll gather molten glass from a 1000°C furnace, shape it using traditional tools, and blow it into your own forms. Experiment with colour and design as you create two unique pieces to keep. All work is cooled overnight and ready to collect after 48 hours, or can be posted for £15.
Price £390
New Film Releases
Freakier Friday (8th August), My Mother's Wedding (8th August), The Thursday Murder Club (28th August)
Antique Markets & Fairs
Auctions
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