Glorious things to do in London this week (27 July– 2 August 2020)
From the reopening of the Tate to a hotly-anticipated handbag auction, here's what's happening in London this week
London Handbags & Accessories Summer auction at Christie’s (31 July 2020)
Bid on a Birkins and Kelly bags galore at the annual Handbags and Accessories online summer auction at Christie’s. More than 40 countries will tune in digitally for the sale on 31 July, which traces 100 years of culturally significant handbags. The sale kicks off in 1920, when a little-known luggage label called Louis Vuitton was making its name as a purveyor of luxury trunks, before highlighting Hermès and Chanel through the decades and finally, the IT bags of today.
For a decidedly different audience, Christie’s is also auctioning 11 lots of Michael Jordan rarities.
Andy Warhol at the Tate Modern (open now)
The Tate Modern and Tate Britain are once again welcoming visitors, following London’s three-month lockdown. Visit a major retrospective of Andy Warhol at Tate Modern this week, which showcases his iconic pop images of Marilyn Monroe, Coca-Cola and Campbell’s soup cans, as well as lesser-known works like the Ladies and Gentlemen portraits series, featuring black and Latino drag queens and trans women. Immerse yourself in Warhol’s floating Silver Clouds installation and experience a reenactment of Exploding Plastic Fantastic, a multimedia event organised by Andy Warhol during the sixties.
Date: until 6 September 2020 Price: £22 / free for members Location: Tate Modern, Bankside London SE1 Website: tate.org.uk
Swans Bar at Maison Assouline (open now)
One of London’s better-kept secrets, Swans Bar is tucked away behind the bookcases in Maison Assouline’s beautiful Piccadilly boutique, which is housed in 1922 Lutyens-designed former bank. Pull up a stool and select from a sophisticated menu of cocktails inspired by Assouline titles and served by a pin-sharp waiter in a white tuxedo. Champagne, wine, tea and coffee is also available, as well as light meals. Popular with London’s literati, you can lose yourself for hours in this handsome book haven, as you thumb through the leading publishing house’s collection of fashion and lifestyle books, curated alongside classic titles, furniture and accessories.
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 11am-7pmLocation: 196A Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EYWebsite: maisonassouline.com
Cinemas reopen in London (from 31 July 2020)
London’s leading cinema houses, including Picturehouse and selected Curzon theatres, are opening from 31 July 2020. The reopening date coincides with new releases including Christopher Nolan’s new sci-fi flick, Tenet and Proxima, starring Eva Green. Pick ‘n’ mix may be off the cards, but you can still purchase food and beverages and masks are not permitted while watching films.
Read more: the best rooftop bars in London
