LGBT History Month Takes Over The Wallace Collection

By Londonist Last edited 97 months ago
LGBT History Month Takes Over The Wallace Collection

Londonist is proud media partner to the Wallace Collection's Friday Late series. Don't miss Look OUT, happening on 5 February.

The Great Gallery will be transformed by a live performance by Fingersnap

Inspired by the LGBT History Month and curated by artist Sadie Lee, this February Look OUT Late will show you the queer side of the Wallace Collection — get ready for an evening of immersive performances, talks and activities.

If you've never been to the Collection before, this is a unique opportunity to visit one of central London's great treasures after hours. With the largest collection of objects owned by Marie Antoinette, superb Old Master paintings and the simply stunning Great Gallery (see above), you couldn’t hope for a more evocative location to brighten up a drab February evening.  

There is plenty to get excited about — check the evening programme below:

Enjoy live evening performances

Fingersnap is the acclaimed south London duo formed by singer David McAlmont and multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter, Guy Davies. Together, they create a stirring thematic polyphony: expect a very special performance where music, art and ideas blend seamlessly into one in the beautifully refurbished Great Gallery.

Alternatively, explore the galleries to the sound of Northern Soul and Motown girl groups spun by iconic guitarist and DJ Debbie Smith. And whether you’re after cocktails, tapas or dinner under the stars (with the added benefit of a glazed roof!), don’t miss the chance to relax and indulge in the Courtyard Restaurant. Pop-up wind orchestra Jolly Pops will be performing their selection of pop classics here too.

For something as dramatic as the Collection's artwork, don’t miss the performance by Virgin Xtravaganzah, London’s only Holy Comedic Singing Drag Queen — promises to be fun.

Join one of the themed talks during the evening or try one of the creative workshops

Free your creativity

Bored of that February pallor? Better to look luminous white for a reason! Dare you let celebrity and high-fashion hair and makeup artist, Darren Evans, give you the ultimate 18th century makeover?

If you prefer to stay away from the spotlight, join a theatrical LGBT-themed life drawing session led by artist Dan Whiteson, or create your own badge souvenir to take home, using images inspired by the Collection.

Listen and learn (the fun way!)

Themed talks and tours will be going on throughout the evening, guided by the Collection's experts and curators. Gender Play in 18th-Century Art explores hidden gender secrets, get your 18th-century scandal ‘fix’ of the lives and loves of the museum’s Georgian portrait beauties in Ladies with ‘Attitudes’, while Brief Encounter with a Man and a Lute takes a look at status symbols. Which one will you join?

Book your tickets now.

Look OUT Late takes place at 6.30pm on 5 February at The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN. Tickets are £10/£12 and can be bought on the Collection or YPlan websites. Use the hashtags #WallaceLate #LookOUT to share your experiences and tweet to @WallaceMuseum.

Londonist is proud media partner to the Wallace Collection and its Friday Lates series.

Last Updated 01 February 2016

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