South London Gallery

Posted by Rebecca Ford Feb 23, 2008

To the Dulwich Picture Gallery in South London last week to catch the end of their exhibition on The Age of Enchantment, which featured the fabulous – and often fantastical, illustrations of artists such as Aubrey Beardsley, Sidney Sime and Edmund Dulac. The timing was good as it coincided with the start of another, smaller, exhibition of Guido Reni’s work. This brings together 6 of the 7 paintings he created of St Sebastian in the 17th-century.

In London, with its world class attractions like the National Gallery and the Tate, it’s easy to forget about the smaller museums and galleries. But they’re well worth a visit. Dulwich Picture Gallery was the first purpose built art gallery in England, and was designed by Sir John Soane. It’s set in pleasant grounds and the permanent collection is rich in European works, including those by Dutch masters and British artists such as Gainsborough. It’s a lovely place to visit in the Spring, with daffodils blooming in the gardens outside.

Spring, of course, hasn’t officially arrived yet and we’re still a few weeks off Easter. But that didn’t stop one travel company from sending out what must surely be the earliest Christmas mailing yet. Come and see Santa in Lapland it urged – only 311 days to Christmas!