Best of 2025
I really enjoy the process of going through my list of the year each December to pick my favourites. There’s always one I’ve slightly forgotten and hits me again with what joy it gave me at the time. 2025 wasn’t as busy a year for me for exhibitions (busy life and brain, toddler activity choices …), and I realise was sadly London-centric, but still gave a particularly stellar top ten that each gave me things to ponder and enjoy:
Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London – Guildhall Art Gallery (London)
Almost straight out of the blocks, a visit to Anne Desmet really got my eye honed in on detail and technique. I’ve known her work piece-meal at fairs for some years, but was blown away by its subtlety and impact en masse, and in series. I’ve looked at London architecture differently all year.
Hew Locke: What have we here? – British Museum (London)
I was lucky to take my team for a curator tour of this thought-provoking show. So much to ponder in Locke’s perspective on stored collections, histories of collecting, provenance, and approaches to interpretation. Both nerdily enjoyable for the museum professional and beautifully designed.
Luminous by Lux Muralis – St Paul’s Cathedral (London)
Immersive shows seem to be ten-a-penny these days, but this artist collaboration with St Paul’s was a visual spectacular. Using images from the cathedral’s history it transformed the interior into an awe-inspiring projection of pattern and colour. I could have stayed for hours.
Tirza Garwood: Beyond Ravilious – Dulwich Picture Gallery (London)
I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t know Garwood before this show, but was mesmerised by her 3D framed scenes, and especially her unusual marbling. I left the show feeling re-invigorated and looking anew at colour and pattern. I’ve also discovered for myself the joy of marbling.
Happy and Glorious – The National Archives (London)
This small but perfect show brought together the 2023 Coronation commissions from the Government Art Collection. It was fascinating to see the chosen artists respond to coronation activities in different parts of the UK, capturing the moment in different media and from very different perspectives.
Richard Wright – Camden Art Centre (London)
I’ve admired Wright’s work for some time, and this UK solo show seems long overdue. His finely detailed pattern and response to architectural space were perfectly paired with Camden Art Centre’s interiors, and it was a treat to see so much work from across his career.
Do Ho Suh: Walk the House – Tate Modern (London)
Suh’s was the stand out show of the year for me. I had seen so many images on instagram that led me to expect to be visually beguiled but I also found it deeply compelling. Working with ‘fabric architecture’, he measures, rubs and records his domestic spaces, making you reflect on the fabric of space, place and memory. I found it exciting, calming, energising, reflective.
Paule Vézelay Living Lines – Towner (Eastbourne)
I went for another show, but stayed for this. Another artist that I knew in the margins but had never focused on a body of work. Vézelay’s work across painting, collage, sculpture, textiles and more was brought together in a small but gorgeous display, showing her unique creative eye. Also a feast for shadows.
The Heart Museum - Art and History Museum (Brussels)
An unexpected discovery in the large Art and History Museum in Brussels, this small, unique collection focused on the symbolism and cultural history of the heart in Western culture was an absolute gem, and welcome balm to my art-science soul.
The Children’s Country House - National Trust (Sudbury)
A rambunctious toddler may not be conducive to my usual type of exhibition visit, but he’s introduced me to the joy of children’s galleries. A family visit to Sudbury Hall showed just how well a space planned with children in mind can allow both adults and kids to explore, play and enjoy together.
As ever, I’m excited to see what cultural treats 2026 will bring, for both me and Alfie.