Page 91 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - London

WHITEHALL AND WESTMINSTER  89

and hosts the exhibition in
alternate years (other years it
is shown in a gallery outside
London). Representing all
sections of the art world, artists
are shortlisted on the basis of
their work over the course of
the preceding year. Works by
all the artists shortlisted are
exhibited, before a judging panel
decides on the winner. Previous
winners include film artist (and
later Oscar winner) Steve
McQueen and artist Grayson
Perry. The prize has often been
surrounded by controversy
because of the often conceptual
nature of the nominated works –
for example, Damien Hirst’s
(1995) cow and calf, bisected
Self-Portait with Knickers (2000) by Sarah Lucas and preserved in formaldehyde,
Tracey Emin’s dishevelled My Bed
Sarah Lucas, famed for their (1998) and Martin Creed’s 2001
controversial installation and Temporary Exhibitions Work No. 227: an empty room in
and the Turner Prize
photgraphic work. Works from which the lights were turned on
this period are well-represented Tate Britain is known for its large and off every five seconds.
in the gallery. retrospectives of some of the
The frequently changing biggest names in British art, Kids at the Tate
displays at Tate Britain include including Barbara Hepworth, L S
themed exhibitions as wel Lowry and Paul Nash. While To encourage art appreciation
l as rooms devoted to single these blockbusters have an from a young age, under-12s
artists. The Contemporary entrance charge, smaller, can visit any special exhibition
British Art galleries reflect changing exhibits in the “BP at Tate Britain for free (when
current develop ments in Spotlights” galleries are free, and accompanied by an adult).
British art and are devoted to focus on lesser-known artists, Family-friendly events are held
work by up-and-coming artists. emerging artists, or a particular most weekends and you can
Important newly acquired theme or movement. The pick up artist-designed, inter-
works are often featured. elegant central spaces, the active kids’ activity packs from
Duveen Galleries, are used to the information points. Check
show special commissions of the Tate website for details of
Clore Galleries contemporary artists. events and also for its dedicated
The Turner Bequest comprises Tate also organizes the kids’ zone, full of art-related
some 300 oil paintings, 300 prestigious annual Turner Prize, games, films and fun.
sketchbooks, and about 20,000
watercolours and drawings
left to the nation by the great
landscape painter J M W Turner
on his death in 1851. Turner’s
will had specified that a gallery
be built to house his pictures
and this was finally done in
1987 with the opening of the
Clore Galleries. Most of the oil
paintings are on show in the
main galleries, while the
watercolours are the subject
of changing displays.
Upstairs in the Clore
Galleries is a room dedicated
to works by poet and artist
William Blake, a seminal figure
of the Romantic Age despite
being largely unrecognized in
his lifetime. Shipping at the Mouth of the Thames (c.1806–7) by J M W Turner

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