Resources
Can there be such a thing as too much art? If there is, then London is where it will happen. With over a dozen world class museums and literally hundreds of galleries, I probably skip more shows than I see, and I see way more than most. So how do I find out about the ones not to miss?
Here is my not-so-secret list of resources. They’re a great source of ideas and inspiration for your next creative excursion.
WEBSITES & NEWSLETTERS
Artlyst, Art Rabbit, New Editions, Plaster and Ocula are all dedicated art publications that prominently feature or focus solely on London’s art scene. Some offer magazine style articles and in-depth reviews. All of them provide weekly listings and free newsletters.
Additionally, the list at the right are the ones I turn to most frequently because they often feature non-mainstream shows and exhibitions.
Collectively, these individuals and publications pretty much cover most art interests in Greater London, and often beyond. Blending these great resources together has been a great recipe for my weekends.
Top tip: If something is listed by three or more… BOOK AHEAD!
FAD Magazine
Combining simple lists, gallery press releases and occasional reviews, FAD is a good source of listings for London’s art highlights. Instagram: @worldofFAD
FLO London
For Love Of (FLO) London has been making a name for itself in the London culture review sphere. They have a healthy dose of non-mainstream offerings and cover everything from food and drink, entertainment, sustainability and travel to the visual arts. They’re even got a shop (!) and are highly active on Instagram at @flolondon_
Londonist
Since it began in the early 00’s this site “about London and everything that happens in it” has been one of my daily morning reads. If you live in London and aren’t reading Londonist, then you’re not a real Londoner.
Maxwell Museums
Max, a museum press officer, publishes a weekly-ish newsletter that focuses mainly on prominent international art news and happenings. It’s FREE and he’s also active on Instagram: @maxwellmuseums
Seb’s Art List
Possibly the most comprehensive source for art shows and exhibitions in London. The website is now offline, but the free newsletter lists weekly updates for upcoming shows and events, sorted by region. Instagram: @sebsartlist
Tabish Khan
Quite possibly the busiest art critic in London, who sees hundreds of shows a year. Tab often writes for Londonist and FAD and has a weekly newsletter with free and paid tiers. He’s also quite active on Instagram: @londonartcritic
The Shock of the Now
This weekly newsletter by art historian, writer and curator Hector Campbell features a curated list of upcoming shows along with artist opportunities such as open calls and grants. As of 2025 you’ll need to subscribe/pay for the full benefits.
Time Out
I don’t always agree with @eddyfuckingfrankel (TO’s Art & Culture Editor) but he’s one of the few critics that never pulls any punches and always lets you know what he thinks of a work. Especially when he doesn’t like it! Time Out is now only digital, so this link is the fastest way to see what Eddy and the rest of their writers have to say.
Other Voices
Don’t just take it from me…
If you’re on IG, then I recommend @criview and @londonartfile and @nigelip and @professional_art_bullshitter as they all feature lots of great London art insights and information about not-to-miss shows.
If you’ve got kids then you definitely don’t want to miss @art_satsuma and @londonwithmygirl and @theellieproject. These art-loving Insta-mums are a great source of inspiration and always provide terrific info about the suitability of each exhibit and venue for various age visitors.
Professional Critics
You don’t need to lean left to appreciate the critical observations that The Guardian’s team of Adrian Searle, Jonathan Jones and Laura Cumming have to share. And frequent contributor Hettie Judah is always a good read too.