This wonderful Cornish workshop and museum is dedicated to the legacy of studio pottery trailblazer Bernard Leach
4 brilliant things to do this January
4 brilliant things to do this January
29 Dec 2022
From walking tours to inspiring podcasts, here’s our selection of four activities for the start of 2023
Take a tour of Shakespeare’s world
Shakespeare’s Globe in London is offering a range of special guided tours this winter, including a ‘True Crimes’ walking trip along Bankside, which explores the criminal history of the area, from duels to the Bard’s own brush with the law. Within the theatre itself, visitors can enjoy a ‘Ghosts and Ghouls’ family tour, which delves into the Shakespearean obsession with all things supernatural, or a specially curated Pride route, which celebrates the queer history of the venue. Top this off with a twilight walking tour and you’ll feel truly immersed in the theatre of Elizabethan London.
Shakespeare’s Globe tours, various dates
shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on
Support Welsh arts and crafts
Head to the seaside resort of Llandudno for bracing beach walks and a visit to Mostyn, the town’s public art gallery. This month you can indulge in some new year shopping, as the gallery has a curated selection of contemporary prints, jewellery, textiles and ceramics on sale, all made by independent artisans with strong links to Wales. The Rooted in Wales showcase includes handmade homewares from Glosters Pottery, recycled silver pieces made by Lima Lima Jewellery and fused glassware from Pam Peters Designs.
Rooted in Wales, until 21 January
mostyn.org/event/rooted-in-wales
Get to grips with the arts through a podcast
The Lonely Palette podcast is a fantastic listen for anyone wanting to get in-depth insight into works of art from throughout history. Host Tamar Avishai is highly informed (credentials include being podcaster in residence at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston), homing in on one work of art per episode. For example, find out exactly why Grant Wood’s American Gothic has long entranced viewers, how Mary Cassatt blazed a path for the female gaze and why Georgia O’Keeffe was obsessed with bones.
Art historian Kate Bryan, artist Tai Shan Schierenberg and curator Kathleen Soriano judge works in the competition
Catch up with Portrait Artist of the Year
If you missed Season 9 of this quest to find the next great portrait artist, make the most of these wintry evenings to catch up. It’s informative viewing, as you discover the myriad approaches artists take in such work. Guest sitters include poet Benjamin Zephaniah, author Candice Carty-Williams and singer Lulu, as hopeful artists attempt to catch their likeness and impress the judges.
Portrait Artist of the Year
Available via Sky Arts and Now TV
For more art and culture events see The Arts Society Magazine, available exclusively to members and supporters of The Arts Society (to join, see theartssociety.org/member-benefits). And for our online monthly ‘4 brilliant things to do this month’, sign up at theartssociety.org/signup
About the Author
Holly Black
Holly Black is an arts and culture writer
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Become an instant expert!
Find out more about the arts by becoming a Supporter of The Arts Society.
For just £20 a year you will receive invitations to exclusive member events and courses, special offers and concessions, our regular newsletter and our beautiful arts magazine, full of news, views, events and artist profiles.
FIND YOUR NEAREST SOCIETY
MORE FEATURES
Ever wanted to write a crime novel? As Britain’s annual crime writing festival opens, we uncover some top leads
It’s just 10 days until the Summer Olympic Games open in Paris. To mark the moment, Simon Inglis reveals how art and design play a key part in this, the world’s most spectacular multi-sport competition