BADA Antiques and Fine Art Fair

Duke of York Square Chelsea. 21st - 27th March 2012

 

100 members of the prestigious British Antique Dealers’ Association offer for sale fine furniture, paintings, glittering silver, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and beautiful works of art. From Chippendale to Cartier, Tompion to Turner, there is something for all discerning individuals who share a passion for quality.  All exhibitors are knowledgeable experts in their chosen specialisation and for many the BADA Fair is their annual showcase in London giving visitors a rare opportunity to select from a wealth of quality stock not usually available together under one roof.

 

The BADA Fair’s unique venue, a purpose-built pavilion standing on the Duke of York Square, in the heart of Chelsea, provides the perfect setting for both browsers and buyers.  Visitors enjoy facilities which are synonymous with the quality of the exhibits for sale:  an a la carte lunch menu is offered by top caterers in the Fair’s own Cellini Restaurant with more sparkling refreshment available from the Taittinger Champagne Bar.  Shippers are available to advise, pack and ship purchases to anywhere in the world. 

 

For more information, please visit their website.

 

Tours of the Olympics 2012 Venues and Sites

Until 31st March 2012

 

With less than one year to go to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, London's Blue Badge Tourist Guides continue to show thousands of visitors around the Olympic Park area. Tours can be organised by car, public transport, coach or on foot for small or large groups. Blue Badge Tourist Guides can also deliver entertaining and informative Talks and Powerpoint Presentations on different aspects of the Games.

 

The Guides are offering all kinds of walks from visiting 3 Olympic sites in one day to an educational journey from the Ancient Games hosted by the Greeks and Romans to today's Olympics.

 

For more information, please visit their website.

 

Dickens and London

Until 10th June 2012, Museum of London, Adults £8, Children/Concessions £6

 

The Museum of London is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens with the first major UK exhibition dedicated to Dickens in over 40 years. Recreating the atmosphere of Victorian London through sound and projections, you'll be taken on a haunting journey to discover the city that inspired his writings.

Paintings, photographs, costume and objects will illustrate themes that Dickens wove into his works, while rarely seen manuscripts including Bleak House and David Copperfield – written in the author’s own hand – will offer clues to his creative genius.

During your visit you'll discover how Dickens' childhood experiences of London, working in a blacking factory while his father was locked away in a debtor's prison, were introduced into the stories he wrote. The great social questions of the 19th century, including wealth and poverty, prostitution, childhood mortality and philanthropy, will also be examined, all of which set the scene for Dickens' greatest works.

 

For more information visit the Museum of London's website or click here to book tickets.

 

Hampton Court Palace Festival

13th - 23rd June 2012

 

Now in its 20th year The Hampton Court Palace Festival takes place in the stunning open-air Base Court of the palace with world-class artists, spectacular fireworks and exquisite culinary experiences. Those who have previously performed at the Festival include: Elton John, Eric Clapton, Andrea Bocelli, Darcey Bussell, Jose Carreras, Joaquin Cortes, Bryan Adams, Ringo Starr, Westlife, Bryn Terfel, Brian Wilson, Katherine Jenkins, Rufus Wainwright and Art Garfunkel to name a few.

As well as the fantastic music line up, the Hampton Court Palace Festival is renowned for creating a truly unforgettable experience. Artists perform in the main courtyard of the magnificent Tudor Palace providing an intimate atmosphere for an audience of 3,000. Corporate hospitality is available in the State Apartments and Festival-goers can also arrive early and enjoy a delicious picnic in the stunning palace gardens, courtesy of Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts.

 

For more information and to book tickets, visit their website.