Russell Tovey and Turner Prize sent to Coventry
News: Objects attacked in Berlin, and Britain's architecture under threat
friday briefing - 23 October
How has your week been? Mine was busy busy busy as we opened the latest blockbuster at the British Museum: the Citi exhibition Arctic: culture and climate. I did my best modelling work for the preview photo call and my face (and chin) appeared in the Times the next day. See them both on my Twitter.
It’s also been a busy week for museums and art news. Budgie will be judging the Turner Prize (one for the Gavin and Stacey stans there) and there’s been a hugely shocking attack on objects in Berlin. It really has to be read to be believed.
If any of you missed my magazine edition of this newsletter from this week (I interviewed the Director of Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery) you can catch up here.
if this newsletter is useful, please consider donating to help keep it going. buying me a digital coffee goes a long way.
City of Culture. Russell Tovey is being sent to Coventry as it’s announced the actor will judge next year’s Turner Prize in the Midlands city. The Art Newspaper
Designs of the Year. A vegan burger, the 3D rendering of the coronavirus, and a Union Jack stab-proof vest worn by Stormzy at Glastonbury are revealed as highlights of the Design Museum’s annual exhibition. The Guardian
Because: covid. The Natural History Museum’s iconic ice rink is cancelled for 2020. Time Out London
Perry heads to Manc. It was the highlight of lockdown (although tbh there wasn’t much competition), and now Grayson Perry’s Art Club WILL host an IRL exhibition of works featured in the Channel 4 show. It’ll open at the Manchester Art Gallery next month. Creative Boom
Shocking. Over 60 priceless artefacts at some of Berlin’s most famous museums have been attacked with an oil-like substance. It’s thought online conspiracists who think one of the museums is the secret centre of a global network of criminals who “conduct human sacrifices.” I can’t even…. Reuters
Got a spare $90 million? That’s how much you might need to buy this 9ft Giacometti sculpture being sold by Sotheby's. Bizarrely, bids are going to be kept secret. CNN
But what if you only have a spare £7 million? Banksy’s Monet parody becomes his second most expensive artwork ever. The Independent
Outside art. HRH The Duchess of Cambridge launched the next phase of her Hold Still photography project with the National Portrait Gallery: highlights have gone on show on billboards in 80 towns and cities across the UK. Mail Online
Our buildings at risk. It’s been claimed that Britain’s architectural heritage is facing a “once-in-a-generation” threat because of the UK government’s planning reforms. The Observer
The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum will host the 2021 Turner Prize. Photo courtesy of Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
and a bonus read
The New York Times this week reports on visits (or lack of) to Europe’s museums post-lockdown. The Rijksmuseum for instance has had visitor numbers collapse by 92%. It’s really not great. Read the NYT piece here.
if this newsletter is useful, please consider donating to help keep it going. buying me a digital coffee goes a long way.