Back at the Keyboard

It's been a whirlwind five months since my last blog entry. I'd planned to write sooner, but life had other ideas. Finally, I'm back at the keyboard. If you've been keeping up with our website and social media, you'll know about the recent pop-up solo art show at Surrey Quays shopping centre, titled 'Hidden London'. The name reflects my focus on capturing the lesser-known corners of London, although I do enjoy depicting the occasional tourist hotspot.

The two-and-a-half-week pop-up at Surrey Quays was a resounding success, made possible by the support of Canada Water and British Land. It provided the perfect setting to showcase my collection, from originals to an extensive range of limited editions, in a gallery shop. The venue, formerly H. M. Samuels, with its glass-panelled units, was ideal for displaying the artwork. Meeting so many locals and receiving their kind words of support was incredibly rewarding. Their enthusiasm for the paintings and choice of locations made it all worthwhile. You can find a few photographs and videos of the exhibition added to the blog.

Thank you:

New Art, New Locations

In the lead-up to the event, I managed to complete several new drawings and paintings, some of which depicted Surrey Quays. These will soon be added to the shopping site. The new locations include Tower Bridge Road, Berwick Street Market in Soho, Long Acre street in Covent Garden, Globe Wharf on Rotherhithe Street, Rotherhithe Street with a view of Canary Wharf, and the River Thames on the backstreet of Rotherhithe Street. All now available for purchase online.

Berwick Street, Soho, London

Long Acre Street, Soho, London

Tower Bride Road, Bermondsey, London

Globe Wharf, Rotherhithe, South London

River Thames, Rotherhithe, South London

Rotherhithe Street, South London.

Upcoming Projects

Currently, I'm immersed in completing a new scene of Saint Saviours Wharf, inspired by the view from the River Thames into Jamaica Road. It's a personal favorite of mine and promises to be an impressive painting. Additionally, I've begun a new painting of Tower Bridge from the Scoop, capturing the bridge from a unique angle. This challenging yet exciting transformation will hopefully be ready for the next 'Hidden London'.

Speaking of which, the solo exhibition planned for this year at ‘The Green House’, Courage Yard. Located just a stone's throw away from the iconic Tower Bridge, this event promises a wide variety of original paintings and prints for sale, including new releases. Even if you're simply interested in admiring the artwork, you're more than welcome to attend. I'll be there seven days a week, happy to share insights about the local scenes and eager to hear your own connections to the area. The exhibition will run from June 17th to June 30th.

South London News Article

The Great Get Together Bankside

On June 22nd, we'll be collaborating with the Jo Cox Foundation, that are hosting a social event at the Scoop to celebrate Jo's vision for a kinder, fairer world and the unity of our communities. This sentiment resonates deeply with me, as London's diversity is something I cherish. I believe Jo would have appreciated and encouraged such artistic endeavours.  So do pop in especially to the gallery on the day and join the festivities along the Thames in her memory.

Information on the event is as follows;

Living Bankside is pleased to host, once again, this year’s Great Get Together Bankside. Now in its eighth year, the event is part of a nationwide series of weekend activities inspired by the memory of the late Jo Cox MP. She believed the fundamental values of kindness, compassion and inclusivity are an imperative to bridge division and create stronger communities. As she, now famously, said ‘we have more in common than that which divides us.’

Festivities will include Wacky Races; an array of music, performances, and children's activities. Speaking about the event, Amir Eden (Executive Chair of Living Bankside) said: “We are excited to host the event again this year and are working with our community to have a fun-filled day. This year’s event will expand to include new elements, including performances in The Scoop at More London. Come along, catch up with old friends, make some new ones.”

The event will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, 22 June 2024 in and around Borough Yards and The Scoop, Queen’s Walk. Living Bankside is delighted to work with a range of partners to host the event including Borough Market, Shakespeare's Globe, Southwark Cathedral, Tate Modern and many more.

To ensure the event is anchored in the community with wide representation and engagement, it is delivered under the auspices of the More in Common Bankside which is part of a collection of groups across the UK working to promote Jo Cox's powerful "more in common" message in their communities.

‘The Great Get Together’

Directions to Venue:

ON FOOT

1. For those not residing in Bermondsey, the directions from London Bridge Station to 'The Green House' exhibition are as follows, taking approximately 9 minutes:

2. Exit London Bridge Station from the North Side.

3. Head South-East along Tooley Street.

4. Turn left at 'More London' onto The Queens Walk, adjacent to the River Thames. Follow this path until you reach Tower Bridge.

5. At Tower Bridge, proceed along the pathway with the Engine Room Museum on your right.

6. Continue until you reach an opening to Courage Yard, marked by an ornamental water fountain. 'The Greenhouse' exhibition space is situated opposite.

BY CAR

For drivers, it's recommended to utilize the following parking facility, as the venue lies outside the London congestion zone. However, note that Ulez applies to all of London, so advance booking is advisable:

Q Park, located closest to Tower Bridge.

Alternatively, you can find parking spaces through the Just Park website. These spaces are typically on private land and available for daily hire:

Just Park

SEARCH ENGINE LINK FOR DIRECTIONS

Transport for London also offers a comprehensive directions service, providing additional options:

TFL journey planner

Bermondsey Street Festival

In addition, mark your calendars for September 21st, when we'll have a stall at the Bermondsey Street Festival. It promises to be a fantastic day out for friends and family, with the high street closed to traffic and stalls lining the streets. Food, music, and competitions will keep everyone entertained.

Spotlight on Marylebone

Lastly, if you find yourself in #Marylebone, drop by Lewis and Co interior designers at 54 Paddington Street, London W1U 4HU. They're showcasing and selling my original canvas painting of Paddington Street — a must-see for anyone seeking inspirational home improvements.

And if you have a location in London you'd like painted, or if you're a shop owner interested in stocking my artwork, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always eager to explore new inspirations and collaborations.

email: magnus.rodwell@hotmail.co.uk

Now Available Online: