What’s on in February 2019: 10 Things to do in London this Month
Glorious things to do throughout February in London
Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams at the V&A Museum, Knightsbridge
An new retrospective on Dior has opened at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The largest exhibition of its kind, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams charts seven decades of the revered fashion house and its ephemeral founder, as well as the artistic directors who have succeeded him. The showcase is modelled on the sell-out exhibition of the same name at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, but with an additional room celebrating Christian Dior’s apparent obsession with Britain. More than 500 items will be on display at this one-of-a-kind exhibit, including 200 haute couture gowns worn by leading ladies including Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman and Princess Margaret.
Date: 2 February-14 July Price: 10am-5.45pm/10pm on Fridays Location: Victoria and Albert Museum Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL Closest Station: South Kensington
Website: vam.ac.uk
READ MORE: INSIDE THE NEW DIOR EXHIBITION
The Dior Collection at Proud Galleries, Strand
Complementing the Dior retrospective is a new fashion photography exhibition, which captures Dior’s legacy and the golden age of haute couture through beguiling imagery by Mark Shaw, Norman Parkinson, Jerry Schatzberg, Bert Stern and Horst P Horst. From polished editorial images to behind-the-scenes snapshots, it explores the social changes that occurred during Dior’s first two decades, through his reinvention of the female silhouette.
Images courtesy of Proud Galleries © Mark Shaw mptvimages.com, ©
Date: 7th February-7th April Time: 10am-7pm/6pm on Sundays Price: Free Location: Proud Central Gallery, 32 John Adam Street, WC2N 6B Closest Station: Charring Cross
Website: proudonline.co.uk
Orchid Festival at Kew, Richmond
Brighten up February with a visit to the month-long Orchid Festival at The Royal Botanic Gardens. This year, the annual showcase takes influence from the vibrant culture and wildlife of Colombia, complemented by kaleidascopic decor and tropical installations. Kew: After Hours will celebrate Columbian culture with late-night live music, dance, street food and cocktails.
Date: 9 February-10 March Time: 10am-4.15pm Price: Varies Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE Closest Station: Richmond
Website: kew.org
The Court Members’ Club Opens in Soho
A new private members’ club is opening in Kingly Street this month. Led by entrepreneur Henry Mead, the club is situated in the erstwhile Bag O’ Nails venue where the likes of Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles gathered in the sixties. The intimate club’s all-star line-up includes a menu curated by Michelin starred-chef Tom Sellers and decor by renowned artist Bradley Theodore and florist Nikki Tibbles.
Date: From 1 February Price: From £600 per year Location: 9 Kingly Street, Soho, W1B 5PN Closest Station: Oxford Street
Website: thecourt.co.uk
READ MORE: THE BEST MEMBERS’ CLUBS IN MAYFAIR
All About Eve at Noël Coward Theatre, Leicester Square
Lily James and Gillian Anderson return to the West End for the stage adaptation of 1950s Bette Davis film, All About Eve. Directed by Ivo Van Hove and with music by PJ Harvey, the play portrays jealousy and toxic ambition in a story which follows Margo Channing – a theatrical legend – meeting her biggest fan: girl-next-door-type, Eve, who isn’t who she appears to be.
Date: 2 February-11 May Time: 2.30pm and 7.30pm Price: From £15 Location: Noël Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4AU Closest Station: Leicester Square
Website: allabouteveplay.com
W12 Studios Opens in White City
This February, W12 Studios joins the restaurant ranks within the newly developed White City and BBC Television Centre. The dynamic venue – which can fit 450 people – is made up of communal seating, a bar and a dancefloor area, supported by an extensive live music programme. The rotating kitchen kicks off with Cue Point, the experimental barbecue offering from former Smoke Stak head chef Joshua Moroney, and the Piadina Project, which specialises in fully loaded flatbreads.
Date: From 7 February Time: 12pm-late Location: W12 Studios, White City Place, 195 Wood Lane, W12 7TU Closest Station: White City
Website: w12studioslondon.com
The Favourite: Costume Display at Hampton Court Palace, Richmond
Head to Hampton Court Palace this February to view costumes up close from BAFTA and Oscar-nominated film The Favourite. Designed by three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell, marvel at Queen Anne’s majestic robes, Sarah Churchill’s sporting attire and Abigail Masham’s lady in waiting dress and denim maid’s outfit. Each item on display will be accompanied by quotes from the designer alongside historic context regarding the story’s main character Queen Anne, and her reign.
Date: 17 Januray-10 March Time: 10am-4.30pm Price: From £11.35 Location: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU Closest Station: Richmond
Website: hrp.org.uk
A Home Away From Home at The India Club, Strand
A Home Away From Home: The India Club is an oral exhibition by the National Trust which celebrates the rich cultural history of the iconic club on the Strand. Having recently been under serious threat from redevelopers, The India Club has remained an important political and social meeting place since the 50s, and is said to have housed one of the earliest Indian restaurants in the UK. The exhibition will be accompanied by supper clubs, artist talks, screenings and conversations.
Date: 30 January-1 March Time: Varies Price: Free exhibition, event prices vary Location: Hotel Strand Continental, 143 Strand, WC1R 1JA Closest Station: Temple
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk
Sherlock: The Game Is Now, Shepherd’s Bush
Put your detective skills to the test in the new Sherlock escape room. The immersive experience throws you into the world of Sherlock, where you and your fellow sleuth teammates will join ‘The Network’ and work together to solve mysteries and puzzles in order to escape before the time runs out. Let the game begin.
Date: From 1 February Time: Varies Price: £54 Location: Hidden in the W12 Centre, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 8PP Closest Station: Shepherd’s Bush
Website: thegameisnow.com
Mandela: The Official Exhibition, Waterloo
Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition is a major new showcase that travels around the world in order to take visitors on a personal journey through the life of one of the most iconic freedom fighters and political leaders. This immersive and interactive experience features previously unseen film, photos and historical artefacts, the majority on loan from the Mandela family, as well as museums and archives worldwide.
Nelson Mandela – The Official Exhibition 1 Trenchcoat (c) Lily FRANEYGamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Date: 8 February-2 June Time: 10am-6pm Price: From £15 Location: 26 Leake Street Gallery, SE1 7NN Closest Station: Waterloo
Website: mandelaexhibition.com
