- Somerset House announces its major new Autumn exhibition The Horror Show! A Twisted Tale of Modern Britain, presenting an alternative perspective on Modern Britain through some of our country’s most provocative artists
- Interdisciplinary artist Grada Kilomba brings her critically-acclaimed large-scale installation O Barco / The Boat to Somerset House’s courtyard this Autumn, displayed in the UK for the first time on the 10 year anniversary of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
- Gallery 31 opens new summer show Swimmers Limb this July, guest curated by Taylor LeMelle and featuring Turner prize winner Tai Shani, design studio Comuzi Lab and artist Mani Kambo
- New commissions from artist, dancer and bodyworker SERAFINE1369 (Jamila Johnson-Small) and London-based interdisciplinary artist Amba Sayal-Bennett
- Upgrade Yourself Festival powered by Squarespace returns in November, with a two-day festival granting 16-24 year olds aspiring to break into creative sectors exclusive access to trailblazing industry experts
- Further programme highlights include This Bright Land, Summer Series with American Express, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, AGM and Skate at Somerset House with Moët & Chandon
JULY
Historical Highlights Tours
Launching 5 July 2022
Tuesdays & Saturdays
12.00, 14.00 and 15.30 (times may vary)
One-hour tour tickets £5 available to book via somersethouse.org.uk
Historical Highlights Tours return to Somerset House this July, inviting visitors to discover its varied and surprising history. In a newly upgraded one-hour experience, knowledgeable guides will take visitors on a walk-through tour revealing the story of Somerset House over the centuries, from a royal palace, its key location on the Thames and role in the naval history of Britain, to its position as a home for cultural innovators today. Explore an unrivalled architectural gem, get exclusive access to areas hidden away from public view, and learn more about the fascinating individuals who have lived and worked behind Somerset House’s doors throughout hundreds of years.
Supported by the UK Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
Sonic Histories
Launching Summer 2022
Free
Site-wide
Sonic Histories is a new audio experience by Somerset House, connecting listeners with the site’s rich history to its position as a centre for creativity today, available at any time online and through QR codes situated across the building. Using specially commissioned sound stories, the audio experience will evoke the events, places and people that have shaped Somerset House in its various guises across centuries, from royalty and civil servants to alchemists and artists.
Supported by the UK Government’s Culture Recovery Fund and available on Bloomberg Connects.
Summer Series with American Express
7 – 17 July 2022
Tickets from £27.50
Edmond J. Safra Fountain Courtyard
Somerset House Summer Series with American Express returns to the capital in July 2022, with eleven nights of incredible gigs from headliners including: one of UK pop’s most positive and candid voices Mabel; Brit Award, Mercury Prize winner and BBC Introducing Artist of the Year Arlo Parks; one of the UK’s most exciting young rock bands Black Midi; Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer Tems; Colombian duo Bomba Estéreo; one of the most vital, talented and enduring artists to emerge from the UK’s grime scene Ghetts, and a special extended show from innovative drummer and producer Yussef Dayes with an array of very special guests.
An unmissable summer experience, Somerset House Summer Series brings a vibrant festival atmosphere right to the heart of London, offering music fans the rare opportunity to enjoy world-renowned and emerging acts, across a wide range of diverse and eclectic genres in a spectacular, intimate setting.
Gallery 31: Swimmers Limb
Curated by Taylor LeMelle
29 July – 20 November 2022
Free
Gallery 31, New Wing
Gallery 31, an intimate exhibition space dedicated to platforming the experimental practice of Somerset House Studios’ residents, opens new show Swimmers Limb this July. Guest curated by Taylor LeMelle, the exhibition features contributions from two Somerset House Studios artists: Turner Prize winner Tai Shani and design studio Comuzi Lab, as well as a new site-specific commission from artist Mani Kambo who was selected via open call.
Supported by The Foyle Foundation.
AUGUST
This Bright Land
A summer celebration of community and culture
1 – 29 August 2022
Edmond J. Safra Fountain Courtyard
From free-£22.50
Tickets available via somersethouse.org.uk
Somerset House invites visitors to step inside the magical world of This Bright Land, a new cultural celebration in the heart of the capital throughout August. Transforming Somerset House’s magnificent open-air courtyard into a welcoming wonderland, open to all, This Bright Land features a joyful day-and-night programme of performances, music, dance, talks, workshops and more, platforming established creatives and grassroots communities. Created by Somerset House Studios artists Gareth Pugh and Carson McColl, in collaboration with Somerset House, the festival puts togetherness at its heart, using elements of entertainment and play to encourage connections and collaboration between communities.
Leading art collectives and creatives take centre stage at This Bright Land, with line-up highlights including Friday night parties of performance, sound and festivity from Daytimers, Nine Nights, ESEA Sisters and Movimientos, to weekly open-air Vogue balls of dance, fashion and music with London’s Vogue Rites, supported by M·A·C Cosmetics. Alongside its daily programme, This Bright Land features bold and unexpected installations and interactive experiences to enjoy including; a sensory journey through the Wonder Garden created in partnership with Jo Malone London, complete with curated spaces dedicated to wellness and self-care; complimentary make-up services in the futuristic custom-built Clubhouse in partnership with M·A·C Cosmetics; and pop-up experiential zones in partnership with Forest Essentials, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Dr.Jart+, Aveda and Origins drawing inspiration from different corners of the globe.
At the heart of the festival, a spectacular 35m Observation Wheel will rise over Somerset House’s iconic dome offering new perspectives on the city, with each gondola of the wheel home to a new sound installation, capturing the voices and stories of Londoners from all walks of life in a new uplifting audio experience, supported by the Kusuma Trust.
A daily street-food market curated by Black Eats LDN, which champions culinary delights from independent Black-owned businesses across London, will offer unbeatable dishes to enjoy in the surroundings of the festival, as well as on the go. To further complement the balmy summer days, This Bright Land’s official drinks partner Bombay Sapphire will be on hand serving up bright and zesty gin cocktails from the Bombay Sapphire bar featuring its newly launched Bombay Citron Pressé, as well as hosting creative masterclasses.
SEPTEMBER
SERAFINE1369: We can no longer deny ourselves
23 September – 30 October 2022
Free
River Rooms, New Wing
This autumn, Somerset House commissions artist, dancer and bodyworker SERAFINE1369 (Jamila Johnson-Small),who is a resident of Somerset House’s experimental workspace Somerset House Studios as part of collaborative duo Project O, to present new installation We can no longer deny ourselves. Unfolding over four spaces of the River Rooms, the installation explores systems that shape perceptions of time and is conceived as an ‘exploded clock’, with several interconnected elements including a multi-channel video work, sculptural objects within an immersive audio composition, and daily activations through live performance.
We can no longer deny ourselves deconstructs the clock-time that regulates many of our lives. It is a reflection on relationships between time and labour, bodies and capitalism, and how these interplays can lead to working in opposition to circadian rhythms and to the celestial bodies that connect all beings to the earth’s movements and root systems. The installation offers time as a tool of transcendence, opening up other dimensions or relations, as something non-linear, bodily, imaginary and spatial. Visitors are invited to enter and spend time in the space as a place of contemplation and reflection.
Made in collaboration with Jackie Shemesh (Light Design) and Josh Anio Grigg (Sound Design).
Curated by Rahila Haque.
New Commission: Amba Sayal-Bennett
21 September 2022 – 05 February 2023
Site-wide
Free
This autumn Somerset House presents a new commission from London-based interdisciplinary artist Amba Sayal-Bennett. Having been exhibited internationally, for her first public commission in the UK she will produce a work inspired by the layered architecture and rich history of the site.
Sayal-Bennett's work combines drawing, sculpture, and installation with an interest in the architectural legacies of empire. Taking inspiration from the visual language of geometry and diagrams, and utilising 3D-modelling and production techniques, she creates colourful works that reflect on the past and look to the future.
Sponsored by Morgan Stanley.
OCTOBER
Grada Kilomba
O Barco / The Boat
29 September – 19 October 2022
Performances: 13 and 15 October 2022
Free, with ticketed performances
Ticket information available this autumn
In October 2022, interdisciplinary artist Grada Kilomba brings her critically-acclaimed installation O Barco / The Boat, 2021 to Somerset House’s courtyard.
Displayed in the UK for the first time, the large-scale installation and performance will be specially presented by Somerset House on the occasion of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair’s 10th anniversary, which has shown at Somerset House since its inception.
The striking 32-metre-long installation is composed of 140 wood blocks, the configuration of which outlines the lower ‘hold’ of an historical European slave ship. Charred by the artist, the blocks contain poems in 6 different languages, intricately inscribed into their textured surfaces. Directly addressing the history of European maritime expansion and colonisation, the piece invites the audience to consider forgotten stories and identities
Alongside its sculptural elements, the artwork includes live performance, combining song, music, and dance, with music production by award-winning writer and musician Kalaf Epalanga. Designed and directed by the artist, the live ensemble brings new meaning to O Barco / The Boat, both acknowledging memories of the past and looking towards the future. Two performances will take place against the backdrop of the Somerset House courtyard.
Grada Kilomba is a Portuguese Berlin-based transdisciplinary artist whose work draws on memory, trauma, gender and postcolonialism, interrogating concepts of knowledge, power and violence.
The third Morgan Stanley Late at Somerset House with The Courtauld will mark the closing of O Barco / The Boat. Visitors will have after-hours access to Somerset House and The Courtauld, with free events and activities offered on site themed around the Grada Kilomba’s work and Amba Sayal Bennett’s commission.
Generously supported by Lonti Ebers and Mercedes Vilardell
1-54: Contemporary African Art Fair
13-16 October
Tickets on-sale August
Site-wite
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, the leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and the African diaspora returns to Somerset House for a landmark edition this October.
In partnership with Christie’s, 1-54 London will host an international line-up of galleries from across Africa and Europe, with works by established and emerging artists on view.
The fair will be accompanied by 1-54 Forum, a multi-disciplinary programme of talks, screenings, performances, workshops, and readings, bringing together diverse perspectives from a group of thought leaders engaged in the African contemporary art scene.
AGM
14 October 2022
19.00 - 23.00
Tickets on sale in July
New Wing
Somerset House Studios will once again open its doors for AGM this October, offering visitors rare access to the private corners of the building where artists make their work. For one night of the year, the Studios artists take over the former Inland Revenue building with a programme of performance, installations, DJ’s and a late-night access all areas party like no other.
THE HORROR SHOW!
A Twisted Tale of Modern Britain
27 October 2022 – 19 February 2023
£16.50/£12 concessions
Embankment Galleries, Somerset House
This autumn, Somerset House invites visitors to journey into the underbelly of Britain’s cultural psyche. Through some of our country’s most provocative artists, landmark exhibition The Horror Show! presents an alternative perspective on modern Britain.
Told in three acts – Monster, Ghost and Witch – it takes audiences on a heady ride through the past 50 years of counter-cultural movements, from the disruptive stance of 1970s punk to the enchanted otherness of modern witchcraft today, showing how through turbulent times, the subversive makes sense of the world around us.
Celebrating the mavericks who draw inspiration from the monstrous, the mystic and the magical, The Horror Show! sets the stage for a spellbinding spectacle of art, music and film with over 150 works and cultural objects from artists including: Gazelle Twin, Tai Shani, Jake & Dinos Chapman, Juno Calypso, Jenkin Van Zyl, Laura Grace Ford, Linder, Cornelia Parker, David Shrigley, Derek Jarman, Helen Chadwick, Marc Almond, Derek Ridgers, Penny Slinger, Noel Fielding, Pam Hogg, Rachel Whiteread, Tim Noble and Sue Webster, and Tyreis Holder.
The Horror Show! is co-curated by Claire Catterall, Somerset House’s Senior Curator, with Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, artists and filmmakers resident at Somerset House Studios.
NOVEMBER
Upgrade Yourself Festival powered by Squarespace
4-5 November 2022
Free
For ticketing information sign up to the
Upgrade Yourself Newsletter
Lancaster and River Rooms
After the success of the first ever and sold-out Upgrade Yourself Festival powered by Squarespace in June 2022, the festival will return in November for the second time. Across two days, the festival will grant 16-24 year olds aspiring to break into creative sectors exclusive access to trailblazing industry experts via talks, workshops, and mentoring sessions. Guest speakers will share the tools, hacks and skills to manage navigating the creative industries, from finances and building your brand online and off, to burnout and self-care.
Powered by Squarespace and supported by the Kusuma Trust, the Eranda Rothschild Foundation and The Mbili Charitable Trust.
Skate at Somerset House with Moët & Chandon
16 November 2022 - 15 January 2023
Tickets on sale in September
Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court
Skate at Somerset House with Moët & Chandon welcomes visitors this winter for an unparalleled skating experience in the heart of the capital. A beloved staple of London’s winter season, Skate transforms Somerset House’s spectacular neo-classical courtyard into a magical festive destination, complete with a picture perfect 40ft Christmas Tree featuring dazzling decorations by Moët & Chandon around which skaters and spectators can toast the glad tidings of the season. For 2022, the courtyard will feature an expanded skate space, welcoming friends, family and loved ones to celebrate time together on the ice.
A host of festive experiences for all ages will be available to enjoy on and off the ice across the season, including a new series of rink-side deck takeovers from contemporary DJs, artists and collectives at Skate Lates with UNIQLO and the ever-popular day-time skating lessons with Skate School. Those looking to unwind off the ice can do so in the style and comfort of the Skate Lounge by Moët & Chandon, where a wide range of drink options will be available to savour from a rink-side seat to enjoy the Skate spectacle. In the courtyard, Hotel Chocolat’s Chocmobile will be on hand serving up warming winter cacao delights on the go, from decadent hot chocolates to chocolate goodies.
EATING & DRINKING
Somerset House Terrace Bar with San Miguel
Until October 2022
Special live saxophonist session on 21 September
Reservations via somersethouse.org.uk
River Terrace (access via Waterloo Bridge)
With its stunning riverside location and view of the iconic London skyline, the Somerset House Terrace Bar with San Miguel is the perfect spot to while away a summer afternoon or evening whilst enjoying an ice-cold beer, cocktail and tapas dishes with friends. Taking inspiration from its Spanish origins, throughout September, San Miguel will host exclusive live saxophonist sundowner sets, transporting visitors to a truly Ibizan experience.
Welcoming internationally recognised musician and performer The SaxMan (Ben Barnett) and his team of artists, the Terrace Bar will come alive to create special golden hours to remember.
San Miguel is also the official beer partner of Somerset House Summer Series with American Express where guests will be able to enjoy the brand’s wide range of beers including Especial, 0,0% and Gluten Free.
NOTES TO EDITORS
ABOUT SOMERSET HOUSE
London’s working arts centre
Somerset House is London’s working arts centre and home to the UK’s largest creative community. Built on historic foundations, we are situated in the very heart of the capital.
Dedicated to backing progress, championing openness, nurturing creativity and empowering ideas, our cultural programme is ambitious in scope. We insist on relevance, but aren’t afraid of irreverence, and are as keen on entertainment as enrichment. We embrace the biggest issues of our times and are committed to oxygenating new work by emerging artists. Where else can you spend an hour ice-skating while listening to a specially commissioned sound piece by a cutting-edge artist?
It is this creative tension—the way we harness our heritage, put the too-often overlooked on our central stage and use our neo-classical backdrop to showcase ground-breaking contemporary culture—that inspires our programme. Old and new, history and disruption, art and entertainment, high-tech and homemade, combined with the fact that we are home to a constantly shape-shifting working creative community: this is our point of difference. It is what we are proud of. And it is what makes the experience of visiting or working in Somerset House inspiring and energizing, urgent and exciting.