Festival of the World - Milk on the Southbank

The great Wimbledon outdoors

For the next two weeks I will mostly be found at Bankside Mix for the free Wimbledon Screen. I may mix it up, as i know there's another free screen at Victoria. But there's something kinda cool about sitting back, with the Tate in the background, watching the master at work. Plus, a stroll down the southbank, is perfect to walk off the pimms.

Southwark Streets

Kusama at the Tate Modern

On a random, free afternoon last month, i decided to pop into the Tate Modern to linger over the much talked about Yayoi Kusama exhibition. Now, i admit, i didn't know much about Kusama until all the exhibition related articles starting streaming out, which was actually really refreshing. I went in with a clear mind and was completely bowled over. Every room produced an internal 'wow' moment, until i couldn't hold it in any longer and was actually gasping with joy towards the end. This woman's journey through her art is spectacular and i will never do it justice through words. It needs to be experienced. In a shit-hot cultural calender year, this is going to be the exhibition to beat. Good Luck Damien.

Down the back of the sofa

So, after the mini heatwave, today officially felt like Autumn. Kicking crunchy leaves on my way to work, i was reminded of the autumnal 70's colour palette of this installation at the Vintage at Southbank Festival, back in the Summer, (proper Summer mind, ie July!). 'Down the back of the Sofa' was curated by Derby Museum, as a replica of an early 1980's living room...if you're thinking it looks more 70's, you'd be right. This was still how things looked in the early 80's...or so i'm told! The attention to detail was awesome, from authentic magazines in the rack, to the board games under the bed. Every drawer and cupboard was filled how it would have been, which led to many a gasp of delight from yours truly - i love snooping in drawers as much as i love vintage knick knacks! But the best bit was the active participation. Revellers were encouraged to document their nostalgic thoughts by tying notes on any object that took their fancy. It led to a very amusing narrative as you explored the room! All that was left to do, was relax on the sofa whilst sipping sherry...i definitely made myself at home.

those Summer Cinema nights...

The outdoor film experience is winding up for the Summer...in what ironically looks to be one of the hottest weeks of the year! The Rooftop Film Club, Dalston Roof Park and The Scoop all have their final curtain call this Friday, so take advantage of these last few summer nights and get on it!

Thanks to the free film screenings at The Scoop (outside City Hall on the South Bank), i have now joined the rest of the world in watching The Kings Speech. I'm glad i held out. The film was brilliant but the setting was spectacular, especially as night fell. i loved the sound of open air laughter, which you miss at other outdoor headphone wearing film venues. It was also a great place to people watch! There was such a varied crowd...city guys arriving in their suits, braving the stone steps with their bare behinds, families with kids, friends, lovers, all mushed up together, making things nice and cosy. What i loved the most though, was that everyone brought their own supply of food, drink and cushions, even though there was a well stocked bar and £1- a -go pillows on hand. When did Londoner's become so frugal? Did it start in '08 with the 'R' word?? 

Maybe it's my Northern roots, but i've been packing my own cinema picnic for years now, having become jaded with ridiculously priced revels and the lack of savory snacks - word of warning, sushi and cinema do not mix!But you knew that already, right?!

The whole 'make do and munch' thing just made for a great community atmosphere. Although I did get a serious bout of snack envy. My sandwich, wine and wasabi pea combo was lame compared to take away pizzas and champagne. Next year i will to know what i'm up against!

It's been a great summer of film.

southbank roof gardens

What a perfect place to pop in to, or should i say pop up to, for a meet and drink. Even on a cloudy grey day, like you see in these pics. This roof garden is on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall and was specially created for the Festival of Britain celebrations. It's such a great space and i can tell you, it feels very wholesome to be drinking amongst a wild flower meadow, fruit trees and allotments!

this is one scary ass scarecrow!

mmmm...corgette flowers....stuffed with ricotta and deep fried...yum.

South Bank eco project

Another great addition to the S.B, is this new staircase, made incidentally, from shipping containers and palettes. How i ever coped without this new walkway i don't know, so I hope they keep it here. Created as a ''vehicle for exploring and reclaiming our urban environment'', it is a great example of upcycling architecture. The planting scheme is even irrigated from water pumped from the Royal Festival Hall. I love how it has become a communal chill out and picnic area...as well as making my commute a lot easier!

the southbank skamp

Nestled in the bottom of the Royal Festival Hall, is a great little exhibition celebrating the amazing 1951 Festival of Britain. My favourite bit? This gorgeous video documenting the adventures of a cute little tow rag, who i like to call 'the southbank skamp'. With not a penny to his name, little S.S  makes his way south of the river, for a day of mischief and merriment...

''i need to get me one of those balloons...''

''mmmm, that sandwich looks good. hope he doesn't finish it...''

''now, this is the way to travel''

''gently...gently...got it! Now where can i get my penny?

''i could get used to this!''