This week I had a day out in London to see the Cecil Beaton exhibition at The National Portrait Gallery.
Whilst I’m not a portrait photographer there’s still things to learn from seeing other peoples work and stories. Any art feeds the creative brain – I always come away having something to think about that might influence how I take photos or create. And, of course, it’s a great day out!
Feeding your creative brain often means not doing what you love. Over the years I have realised that anything creative without picking up my camera is useful. Sometimes it helps me get out of a rut! This year, especially, I’ve been encouraged to try playing with paint and ink alongside my work. I find that next time I pick up my camera I’m more inspired.
So this month I’ve listed a sort of wish list of the interesting exhibitions that have caught my eye – currently on or coming next year. It is a little London centric so if it’s too far make sure you check your local museums and galleries. You’ll see it’s a mix of photography and art – all is good in my book!
National Portrait Gallery, London:
Cecil Beaton’s fashionable World – now until Jan 11th 2026
Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait – June – September 2026
Tate Britain, London:
Lee Miller – now until 15th Feb 2026
Turner & Constable: Rivals and Originals – Nov 27th – 12th April 2026
Tate Modern, London:
Theatre Picasso – now until April 2026
Frida: The Making of an Icon – June 2026 – Jan 2027
National Gallery, London:
Renoir and Love – Oct 2026 – Jan 2027
Natural History Museum:
Wildlife Photographer of the Year – now until July 2026
National Maritime Museum, London:
ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year – now until August 2026
The Photographers Gallery, London:
A mix of different small exhibitions at any one time
Strike a Pose! 100 Years of the Photo Booth looks fun! Now until Feb 2026
The Observatory Photography Gallery, London:
Katie Edwards – Portrait of America – now until end April 2026
The Holburne Museum, Bath:
Don McCullin: Broken Beauty – Jan – May 2026
Bristol Photo Festival:
Runs October 2026 with exhibitions across the city.
The Hepworth Wakefield:
Marc Chagall: The Circus – Nov 2026 – April 2027
I can also recommend visits to The York Art Gallery, Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Higgins, Bedford
Tickets for an exhibition or an Art Pass can be a lovely gift too (with the ho ho ho season fast approaching 🎄)