Written by nickcan | 06 January 2010

I'm loving the new look blog...and was very excited to have a mystery comment posted from a friend of one of the choir singers... I was thrilled to see everything that has been written by staff from both schools and love the videos too - tho' my screen grab is very, very strange (unless of course I actually look like that - in which case I'm off for surgery straight away!)
I'm really hoping that this new look blog will pave the way for all sorts of comments - I'm already thinking of going to the Saatchi Gallery this weekend (snow permitting!) and Wilsons Music Hall. Not sure that Josh's band would be up my street...but who knows? Thank you everybody for all this brilliant work. Keep it up - who will get most 'kryptonite'?

Written by Eelyn Lee | 06 January 2010

If you've read Josh's blog about The Wilton Music Hall you will have read about The Bonfire Band ... and maybe even checked out their Myspace link. If you've read Jenny's blog about Broadway Market you might be tempted to go down one Saturday where you'll be delighted to find The Bonfire Band playing regularly !!!! Here're images of some other visual treats in the area: a snowy London Fields...... and some Banksy graff in Bethnal Green

Written by Eelyn Lee | 06 January 2010

It was great to meet you all yesterday - I look forward to sharing some cultural experience with y'all! Let us know about things you're doing in the classroom with digital tools too......please hola if you need any help with anything. Crayton.... did your Vimeo link come through?

Written by peter sanders | 05 January 2010

For the past few months, my daughter has been working as an intern at Sadlers Wells. It has made us so much more aware of what a lot of brilliant dance (and a bit of rubbish too). We have been to see just about everything that was on over the autumn season and really got into dance.

Written by Lucy Handley | 05 January 2010

Julie and Julia is a film,brought out last year, is a film about the twinned stories of two women brought together by a shared love of cooking and desire to spread their message to the world around them.

Written by Gwenan Thomas | 05 January 2010

Second time round- I saw this back in August and couldn't wait to see it again. The play is based on the moving book by Michael Morpurgo and set during the first world war. The set is simple and the story told through song and words. The stars of the show are thre horses- giant mechanical puppets which manage to capture t allhe subtle movements of horses- the flicker of a tail or an ear, eyelids opening and closing, the rise and fall of a torso.

Written by Aidan O'Kelly | 05 January 2010

On a recent trip to Paris i visited the Louvre and Pere Lacahaise cemetary. Mainly, we walked the streets and I led us through old parisien neighbourhoods using a street map and getting some ideas from the rough Guide and following my nose. When I visit cities, my favourite "cultural" thing to do is wander the streets of residential neighbourhoods. Especially old working class neighbourhoods. It fascinates me to pick up the signs of change (everywhere in paris seems to be gentrifying which makes me feel uncomfortable). i love to wander neighbourhoods as it's a way of avoiding crowds of tourists; i love to look at buildings, especially domestic architecture; and, I feel i learn alot about a place by casually looking at its buildings, looking through the windows (there are many old ceilings with mouldings in central Paris apartment blocks), watching people and getting a feel for the place: the shops, the cultures, etc. I do visit some of the galleries and i enjoy especially looking at art from the early and mid 20th century. i like to wander through the galleries and have conversations about paintings. sometimes, it all gives me a headache afer about an hour. I usuallyleave a gallery feeingl inspired to be more creative: drawing, painting and writing. (I've been trying to revive my creativity for the past few months.) The Louvre: i loved the building and looking at the tall ceilings and taking in the views of the Seine. We wandered through the egyptian galleries. The place was thronged with tourists, large groups following a guide holding an umbrella. It began to give me a headache. I thought it odd that people took photos of themselves standing in front of, say, the mona lisa. There was a huge crowd looking at mona so we wandered off to another section. I felt happier when we went outside and wandered through the Palais Royal and I pointed out the place where Colette used to live (i read her biography). Before wandering around a cold and busy Pere lachaise cemetary I didn't think i knew much about Jim morrison, but since seeing the "pilgrims" standing around and taking pictures of his tomb, I've listened to his music and realised i know lots of songs by the Doors. It's a nostalgic sound that reminds me of the 1970s. I noticed many plaques around the city marking the death of resistance fighters and the transportation of jews. i feel these little bits and pieces of experience from the streets taught me more about the city than the the louvre did.

Written by Fatima | 05 January 2010

I have not taken part in any cultural activities this holiday due to a family berievement. But this sad event brought  members of my family and friends together which was  fantastic.

Written by Michelle Hepworth | 05 January 2010

So on New Year's day there was beautiful sunshine, perfect for a walk through London to the Royal Academy. Royal Academy was chosen by virtue of being one of the only places open on the bank holiday!
The current exhibition there is about 3 sculptors and their output in the decade or two before World War 2 (Wow - I actually remembered some facts from the exhibition - usually I forget all of the 'info' stuff). The sculptors are Jacob Epstein, Eric Gill and Henri Gaudier-Brezsca (I've probably spelt that wrong). Anyway, there were some great pieces - mostly stone carvings. I particularly liked some of Gill's very human versions of the traditional Madonna and Child arrangement. The scariest thing is Epstein's huge robotic creation astride a menacing drill.  No doubt such artwork comments on the state of the world at that time but even without that context, it was pretty powerful stuff.
The exhibition also gets my vote for being small enough to digest (only three rooms). Much bigger than that and I get a bit mind-boggled!
I think the exhibition just started so it's probably on for a good while, in case you fancy it.  

Written by crayton | 05 January 2010

My world has been recently turned upside down (in a good way) by the birth of my beautiful daughter (it feels strange seeing those words as I type them). She is now all I can think of and I love spending time with her. 

Written by Jenny Thompson | 05 January 2010

On a bright sunny morning in December, I found myself wandering down the Regent's Canal, and to Broadway Market, which is by London Fields.  It was bustling with families, people enjoying the start of their weekends, reading the newspaper in front of cafes and enjoying the sunshine!

I always enjoy visiting the market, as there's always so much to see!  A wide range of stalls, selling a variety of foods from different countries, from Ghanaian curries to French galettes.  There are also stalls with all sorts of crafty things, such as hand-knitted blankets and lovely strings of beads.  There's also a super bookshop!

It really is a nice way to enjoy your Saturday, I recommend a visit if you're ever over that way on a Saturday morning (of course, it can be combined with a trip to the London Fields lido for a brisk swim!)

Written by Katie Richardson | 05 January 2010

Hello!
I recently visited the Saatchi gallery for the first time. I would not describe myself as an very experienced or educated art critic but I am slowly learning, since moving to London. Having visited the main galleries in Trafalgar sq this gallery was recommended by a colleague and did not dissapoint. I loved the abstract constructions and symmetrical American art work on the top floor and would definently visit again due to the free and exciting feel of the gallery.

I took a pick and mix sweet selection and spent a couple of hours perusing the artwork, I left feeling eduatced and inspired and would definently recommend a visit.

Written by nickcan | 05 January 2010

Back again. Ok, so what artistic thing can I write about?  Went to see Sandi Toksvig and Ronnie Corbett in Christmas Cracker at the South Bank...a weird mix of song, comedy, magic and audience participation. Completely mad but a good start to Christmas...like a panto but better as the cast seemed to be having the best time ever and there wasn't a star taking all the focus. Try it if its on next year.
Also saw the Anish Kapoor at the Royal Academy - fantastic! I waited for the big bloody wall to move through the galleries. Extraordinary, I'm not sure what it means but it was mesmorising; slow, powerful, strong, silent. Is it about taking over the lives of others? Is it meant to be about blood/war/threats? Or does it have an altogther less sinister meaning? The orange wall was truly amazing, shining and strong and really drew me in. If its still on then go and see it...but don't find out what things are meant to represent - just go and let the experience wash over you; let things be what you want them to be!

Written by Joshua Cardale | 05 January 2010

Just before Christmas I went to see a play by David Mamet ('Edmond') at Wilton's Music Hall in the East End (near to Aldgate East tube station). It was amazing! The building has a crumbling facade and interior, but the main structure is still intact and in the faded glamour a stunning elegance remains. The play was a 'promenade performance', which meant that the audience of about 40/50 followed the performers round as the action of the play moved from the bar to a side room to the entrance hall, then through the backstage area and later on the balcony and even the street outside! As well as excellent performances from the actors, several of whom were playing more than one part, the whole play was soundtracked by a troupe of country musicians called The Bonfire Band. Their mixture of understated incidental music and bittersweet ballads plucked and strummed out on banjo, guitar and double bass complimented perfectly the atmosphere of both the subject matter and the venue, making for an unforgettable evening. And there was mulled wine!

Here's Katie interviewing me about it:

Written by Eelyn Lee | 08 April 2009

Written by Eelyn Lee | 08 April 2009