We will be doing the RS Best of London Tour in October. We are looking for suggestions on where where we might purchase a painting from a local artist to remember our trip. We are not looking to discover the next Picasso, nor do we want to spend a fortune. We'd just like to have something we can frame when we get home. While we tend to favor watercolors, it could be an oil painting or an ink or pencil sketch. It would just need to be an iconic image of London (Big Ben, London Eye, streetscape with a double decker bus, etc.) We'll know what we love when we see it. We just need to know where we might find it!!!
When we did the RS Best of Paris Tour, we found a beautiful watercolor of the Eiffel Tower in the Montemartre Artists Square. Any advice regarding London would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
30 posts
I, too, collect watercolor paintings from local artists to record my travels. My very favorite memory is of a watercolor I purchased from an artist in Dubrovnik; a wonderful memory of the transaction which included tea and a lovely chat! I would be on the look-out for street artists who are recording the sites you have enjoyed. They may not be well-known artists but, are making their living providing you with memories. Take time to chat with the artist; that, itself will be a memory that will enhance your enjoyment of their work.
Cheers!
Marlene
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3774 posts
Best bet is to browse Portobello Road Market early on a Saturday. Antiques, fruits and vegetables for sale here. Also clothes and tables of odds and ends, like belt buckles, old jewelry, and old tea pots and china cups to match. Lots of antique oil paintings and framed watercolors. Fun to browse. Details about halfway down this article:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portobello_Road#Portobello_Road_Market
Good coffee and pastry shops in this area.
Posted by
40 posts
David, on Sundays, along Bayswater Road (north side of Kensington and Hyde Parks) there are multiple artists selling their work. Here is the link:
http://www.bayswater-road-artists.co.uk/
You will find a very broad range of styles and mediums; I have purchased a few small watercolors there.
Posted by
OP
Missouri
6 posts
Thank you very much! This is just the information I was hoping to receive. We are always on the lookout, but it does help to know where to go to increase your chances of finding something!
Posted by
1222 posts
Great question! I love collecting art from places I visit as well, and we are staying near bayswater so I'll be on the lookout for that in a couple of weeks!
Posted by
St. Louis MO
731 posts
We will be doing the RS Best of London Tour in October. We are looking for suggestions on where where we might purchase a painting from a local artist to remember our trip
David in Missouri, what week are you taking the London tour? My husband and I are also signed up....for the one beginning Oct 15. Are you close to StL?
Posted by
278 posts
Alisono,
Your suggestion of Art in the Park in KG on Sunday is timely. We were hoping to find some great things on our trip in Sept to Bath. Now we know which day we will take the train to London for a day. We have been to KG before but not on a Sunday. Thanks for this suggestion.