The London Group is the UK's longest running artists' collective, with celebrated members including Henry Moore, David Hockney and LS Lowry. To celebrate its centenary, it's putting on a two-part exhibition filled with works by existing members and emerging artists.
There is an even split between members and new artists, owing to the Group's ethos of promoting emerging talents. The result is an exhibition that contains a wide variety of styles, including some truly impressive works.
We found the newcomers most captivating. Caroline Jane Harris' intricate hand-cut paper sculptures are mesmerising and complement Amanda Benson's honeycomb structure made up of nothing more than straws and wires.
Two video pieces also stand out: one includes the surreal eating of a smoking apple; the other is an hilarious stop-motion keep fit video, where suitcases strike exercise poses.
Our favourite piece is the violentcello, an apt piece of work given the name of the exhibition space. The instrument's neck is partially constructed from a saw blade and the strings are bloodied barbed wire. It's an intense contrast to see something as delicate and mellifluous as a musical instrument transformed into an intimidating and savage object.
Over 70 works are on display in this hidden but surprisingly large space, and this is only the first part of the exhibition with the second to follow shortly. Considering the quality of some of the works in part one, part two is an exhibition to look forward to.
The London Group Centenary Open is on at the Cello Factory, 33-34 Cornwall Road, SE1 8TJ. Part one runs from 14-24 May. Part two from 28 May-7 June. Admission is free.
