Cathy's Art Diary

Delightful exhibition at the Guildhall Art Gallery of new prints by Anne Desmet. I’d come across Desmet’s delicate, detailed prints before in various exhibitions and loved them, so I was fascinated to see new pieces where she cuts up her work and makes the pieces into the sort of symmetrical patterns you see through a kaleidoscope. These works were shown with the complete prints she had used. There was an excellent video on how she works and cases showing her tools and her wood blocks. I was amused though by the contrast between these small delicate works and the huge John Singleton Copley painting which shared the space. I think I know which I prefer! Closes 8 September 2024  

Sweet mini garden in the Courtyard of the Guildhall to mark the 2023 Lord Mayor of London’s Big Curry Lunch. I had come across a previous version of this garden where traditionally the Worshipful Company of Gardeners as supported the event each year by installing a themed garden display. This years is designed by Gianna Utilini and includes a memorial bench and fallen tree trunks to represent loss, unity is shown by the upright birch trees and hope in the form of butterflies. It’s a small peaceful space in the busy city. No end date given.

Fun find of this bright mini garden in the Courtyard of the Guildhall to mark the virtual Lord Mayor of London’s Big Curry Lunch. I’d not come across this idea before but traditionally the Worshipful Company of Gardeners as supported the event each year by installing a themed garden display. This year’s has been built with the help of Waste Not Want Not a horticultural social enterprise which uses horticulture as a therapeutic tool. It was magical to find this bright symbol of renewal amongst the grey stone and to see a few stray officer workers who’d ventured back to the city having lunch sitting beside it.