Mastercard Priceless Events: Winter Wonderland at The Natural History Museum

It was just like the film 'Night at the Museum' when we turned up at the magically illuminated Natural History Museum for one of Mastercard's Priceless nights, I was invited along to their most recent event at London’s most famous Museum to learn, explore and eat.

The hall inside was wondrous, soothing string music, lights flickering and glasses of champagne cocktail clinking, a true Winter Wonderland. After some delicious canapes (so good, you want to follow the waitresses around), there was a brief talk where the evening was explained... we were split into groups and taken round with guides - experts in different areas: Dinosaurs (Paul Barrett), Fossils (Adrian Lister), Plants (Mark Spencer), Rocks and Meteorites (Natasha Stephen) and Mammals (Louise Tomsett).

We were off to see the dinosaur man first... torches were handed out for our atmospheric tour in darkness. It was exciting to understand these fascinating creatures and to see the proof of their existence. Although I have visited the Museum before, never have I been so intrigued and amazed by the stories behind the specimens. The mammals are intriguing and adorable, we learnt about snow foxes and reindeers (the scientists were keen to put a topical Christmas spin on their talks). Next we walked through the spectacular vault to reach Natasha Stephen, who specialises in meteorites from Mars! We all got to hold and examine various ancient meteorites, including rocks that had compounds older than the earth itself, it was amazing.

Before the final two sessions, we were treated to more music and bowls of food in the main hall: Thai beef curry, sausages and mash and vegetarian risotto was on offer, warming and comforting food that replenished our energy. We met a lovely group of people who mentioned that they attend all the Mastercard Priceless events, and couldn’t praise the programme highly enough.

Mark Spencer, plant man, was engaging and friendly, better still he was very passionate about his speciality and this rubbed off on us… the talk about holly and ivy and other Christmas plants was very memorable. Finally we went down to the fossils to see specimens from the last Ice Age, apparently relatively new fossils compared to others in the vast National History Museum collection. It was hilarious to hear how these mammoth tusks and lion imprints had been found in Ealing and Isleworth, the very ground we walk on every day.

Exhausted from our exciting educational evening, (I did regret wearing heels for such a museum trek), we ate our chocolate mousses and left before the crowd. Thank you Mastercard for a truly imaginative and informative experience, it was one of the most unique nights I have ever had the pleasure of blogging.

Visit the Mastercard website here.

Grayson Perry, The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman, British Museum

Grayson Perry (or should I say Claire) is an artist, a big character and now a celebrity; he has always intrigued me. When I worked at England & co gallery, I helped organise an exhibition of his work from his time as a Neo-Naturist, an eccentric group of artists who assembled in the late 70s. Meeting him, as Claire, at the private view was exciting but less over-the-top than I imagined... he was just an ordinary albeit very talented guy with an unusual alter ego.

Interestingly, his current show at the British Museum, The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman, shows the more discreet, human side of Grayson's character. A very personal and insightful collection of works old and new, he has selected pieces from the British Museum’s collection that illustrate or echo his beliefs and artistic obsessions and has created his own works to be displayed alongside the artefacts.

The ceramics dominate and for me have always been his most impressive work - giant colourful vases and primitive but highly decorative plates. His amazing imaginary world is explored better here than ever before. The exhibition begins and ends with epic 'sculptures', on entering we witness the 'Kenilworth AM1' motorcycle, a psychedelic vehicle created as a mobile homage for his beloved teddy, Alan Measles. As a conclusion Perry exhibits a huge cast iron boat with relics hanging meaningfully all over.

The most wonderful thing about this collection is hearing Grayson Perry's thoughts and memories. Many of his quotes are witty, insightful and resonate deeply - he speaks frankly and genuinely, leading us systematically through his work and the decisions he made curating the show.

As a lovely afterthought, we whizzed round the exhibition of German Romantic prints and drawings - a collection of subtle, beautifully detailed works, a quiet contrast to Grayson Perry's world.

Grayson Perry's show continues until 19 February 2012, more info and booking here.

QUILTS 1700-2010

An installation by artist Tracey Emin at the V&A


For me quilts represent memory and history, of people, places, situations and relationships. The epic length of time that it takes to create a quilt gives the object its own history of its making and its own story. When I left for University, 4 years ago my mother vowed to start on a quilt for me... I think she managed about 6 squares, and that took her long enough. I still live in hope that she will complete it, one day!

The current exhibition at the V&A explores over 300 years of British quilting history - and includes private loans as well as many from the V&A's own collection. The show is vast and the variety on display is impressive, although I was slightly disappointed that the works were exclusively British, as there are, in particular, many wonderful American quilts. The older quilts, bed-hangings, and cushions seem to be preserved and restored immaculately, and show the luxury and wealth associated with this trade in the 18th Century. I particularly loved the quilts that celebrated the birth of a child, often white and tiny to fit the newborn babe, with the sweetest words sewn on as messages, they evoked a real poignancy.

The more contemporary pieces show the trends and fashions of today. A fantastic outrageous Union Jack quilt made from various Libertys floral prints was eye-catching to say the least. Influential artists, Grayson Perry and Tracey Emin's works reflect their own bedtime preoccupations and attitude to the culture of the quilt. The exhibition illustrates the power of the quilt and why it has remained so popular for many hundreds of years.

Quiltmaking is an activity that those in dreadful situations can turn to. There is a video showing the inmates of Wandsworth Prison and their quest to produce a quilt. It offers them a skill and gives them a quiet way to consider their situation and vent their frustration. The outcome is quite beautiful and moving as you see these men turn their anger to a creative, constructive focus - thoughts of freedom and despair weave through the carefully made artwork. Once again the gentle power of the quilt is evident.

Quilts 1700-2010 is on display until 4 July 2010 at the V&A:
http://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/future_exhibs/Quilts/index.html

Learn how to make a patchwork quilt yourself here: http://www.ehow.com/how_2071698_make-patchwork-quilt.html