Part two: exhibitions to visit in London this summer
Another five exhibitions for you to bookmark
This is part two of ‘exhibitions to visit in London this summer’. Part one is linked here, with details about the first six exhibitions I shared last week.
Hepworth in Colour
When? On now until 6th September
Where? Courtauld Gallery
How much? £18 standard ticket
Exhibition summary: Hepworth had a lifelong fascination with colour, which she used in original and unexpected ways. This exhibition is the first to explore this less familiar aspect of her work. Uniting, for the first time, her early innovative sculptures with colour from the 1940s, alongside the most important drawings from that decade, and other works in colour from the 1950s and 1960s, the vividness of Hepworth’s palette is seen like never before.
My thoughts: Hepworth is best known for her abstract sculpture work. I first encountered her work in Cornwall on a solo trip last year. In St Ives is the Hepworth Museum, set in her old home, studio, and garden. Her work is displayed throughout, and I particularly enjoyed peering into her working spaces, which have been preserved since she died in 1975. She was deeply spiritual and much of her sculpture was informed by the rugged ancient landscapes of her surroundings.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026
When? On now until 7th October
Where? National Portrait Gallery
How much? Free admission
Exhibition summary: Celebrating the best contemporary portraiture; the competition has attracted over 40,000 entries from more than 100 countries and has been seen by over 6 million people. The Award encourages artists to explore classical and innovative techniques that show the enduring relevance of portraiture.
My thoughts: When I visited this exhibition last year, there were so many poignant images that I made note of to save and look back at later. Many of the subjects were close friends and relatives of the artists, adding a layer of intimacy beyond the expected intricacies of portraiture. The range of talent, styles, scale, and media creates momentum and keeps the exhibition engaging from start to finish.
If you’ll be visiting with kids, check out Katy Hessel’s The Story of Art trail which includes activities that introduce visitors to portraits by female artists.
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends
When? On now until 15th November
Where? The Young V&A
How much? £12.5 standard ticket
Exhibition summary: For the 50th anniversary of Aardman (the creators of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep), you’re invited to go behind the scenes of stop-motion animation and explore how iconic characters and worlds are brought to life.
My thoughts: It might be at The Young V&A, but this one is for all ages. The art of stop-motion is one that I can admire from afar with absolute certainty I would not have the patience for. The exhibition details the journey from initial sketching to the final effects. There are also more than 150 items on display, including never-before-seen models, sets, and storyboards from the Aardman archives. With other interactive elements too, you’ll most certainly be entertained.
The Coming of Age
When? On now until 29th November
Where? Wellcome collection
How much? Free admission
Exhibition summary: The Coming of Age considers the experiences of ageing, from adolescence to later life. Works explore how environment, culture and society shape our perceptions of “getting old”. At its heart, this exhibition wants to raise awareness that people are living longer than ever before. What role can society play in implementing the right adaptations for us all to age better?
My thoughts: This is something a little different and one that has the potential to linger with you long after you’ve visited. Art seeks to drive conversations, and that’s exactly the aim of this exhibition. Dying is something we’ll all do, and hopefully we’ll live long, full lives by the time we get there. Questioning how our shared human experiences can inform our decision-making for a better future is a premise that intrigues me most about The Coming of Age.
Frida: The Making of an Icon
When? On now until 3rd January
Where? Tate Modern
How much? £25 standard ticket
Exhibition summary: Frida Kahlo is one of the most influential artists of all time. This exhibition showcases over 30 of Kahlo’s most iconic works that introduce her ‘many selves’, as well as over 200 works by her contemporaries and those she inspired from later generations. The Making of an Icon celebrates Kahlo’s lasting and enduring cultural impact.
My thoughts: Frida Kahlo is hard to summarise. She was a revolutionary painter, best known for her defiant feminism, political activism and resilience in the face of personal struggles. Her work is bold, vibrant, and confronting. Emphasising her renown, this exhibition will also consider Kahlo as a global brand and features commercial objects that encompass her art, image, style and persona.
