Author: Jane Hannington
The new Saatchi Gallery just off the trendy Kings Road in Chelsea is already becoming a “must see” destination for visitors to London.
Admission is free to this amazing display of contemporary art.
The imposing location at the Duke of York HQ is just a few minutes walk down Kings Road from Sloane Square underground station and just 10 minutes walk from Victoria station.
Currently on display is a stunning exhibition of pictures, sculptures and installations by 24 of China’s leading artists – mainly based in Beijing. Many of these innovative works are stunning and thought provoking and even humorous.
Of note are some very realistic wax sculptures including one of an elderly angel lying prone with realistic fleshy “poultry-looking” wings which appear to be almost real. There are some witty paintings of Chairman Mao in unlikely locations including Venice (enjoying the sun with a bikini-clad companion), the Yalta Conference, the McCarthy hearings and riding in an open carriage with the Queen Mother.
In the basement is a hypnotic installation of life-size elderly state leaders, past and present, including Archbishop Makarios and Fidel Castro. These ancient characters are displayed in their declining years slumped in motorised wheelchairs. They move and collide randomly in the space providing a strangely mesmerising display.
Outside on the plaza is an open air café and on Saturdays in the plaza there is Chelsea market – a veritable bustling melee of stalls cooking and selling delicacies from many of the major cuisines of the world. The aroma from the wonderful food permeates the square where you can buy delicious produce such as French cheeses, juices, Middle Eastern, Thai and Spanish food, as well as organic meat, whole food wraps and good Olde English pies.
A trip to London is not complete without a Saturday stroll in this bustling area of London. You can shop in the eclectic collection of designer boutiques, enjoy good food and complete your day with a memorable visit to the excellent and unforgettable Saatchi Gallery.
About the Author:
Jane Hannington is Marketing Manager of Go City Apartments providing self-catering accommodation for visitors to London. Telephone 00 44 (0)208 421 5411 or visit www.gocityapartments.com
