RCA Secret 2010

Calling all Art Lovers!  If you fancy investing in some unique, affordable art (and possibly bagging yourself a genuine piece by someone famous), you need to get down to the Royal College of Art on 20th November.

The RCA Secret is an annual exhibition of over 2,500 contemporary postcard-sized artworks for sale.  All the pieces are created and donated by artists at the RCA, as well as various professional artists, designers and illustrators including well-known people which in previous years have included David Hockney, Banksy, Yoko Ono, Paul Smith, Mary Quant, Tracey Emin & Manolo Blahnik.   The SECRET being that the artist's signature is hidden on the reverse - only to be revealed once the piece has been purchased.  

At £45 a pop, it's worth investing in one or two (4 max per person) just as something fun to brighten your wall.  But if you discover you've unwittingly invested in a mini Banksy... hallelujah!

The RCA Secret 2010 is taking place at the RCA, Kensington Gore, SW7. Viewing days are 12th & 14th - 19th November  and the sale day is 20th November (8am - 6pm)

Admission is free, but beware, the 'Secret' die-hards will be queuing around the block before sunrise, so you'll need to be quick.   Note: you'll need to register in advance if you want to purchase any art.  You can do this at the exhibition or online at the RCA website.  If you can't make the viewing days, postcards can also be viewed online from 12th November.

Once you've finished at the RCA, you may want to take the weight off your weary art-stalking feet and enjoy a drink at the nearby Gore Hotel which has a lovely wood-paneled bar serving perfect cocktails.   It even has a private 'carriage' room - an ideal hideaway to celebrate your artistic investment.  If you're feeling peckish, you'll find great grub at the adjoining Bistro 190. 

Stay tuned for more Miss Immy blog spots coming very soon.

Welcome to Miss Immy's London Blog starring Dr Johnson & The Evil Cake Shop!

As someone who was born in London, I feel an enormous sense of affinity with this great city and never tire of exploring it.  In the words of Samuel Johnson, "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, for there is in London all that life can afford."  Having lived here for over 20 years, I still find great pleasure in hopping on a random bus to an unfamiliar London Borough, heading off the beaten track along a hidden side road to who knows where, or finding myself in a derelict building, dining with strangers by candlelight.  And just when I think I've got it covered, I suddenly stumble across an exciting new discovery, which reminds me that London will always have the upper hand.

Be it secret speakeasys, pop-up restaurants, curious shops, quirky theatres, creative markets, beautiful architecture or secret hideaways, there are an abundance of fantastic places which I want to share with you.  Not all hidden and secret, but places which have inspired, excited and intrigued me enough to put them on this blog.  And sometimes even beyond London...

On a regular basis, I'll delve up my sleeve and reveal a new gem for you to discover.  It won't necessarily be a brand new, 'hot-off-the-press' place.  But perhaps it'll be new to you.  And of course, when I do find somewhere new, exciting and current as I continue my explorations, I'll be sure to let you know!

So, back to Samuel Johnson (also known as Dr Johnson).  He was a great British author from the 18th Century, and his publications included the first comprehensive English Dictionary.   Dr Johnson's old house  at 17 Gough Square, EC4 has been fully restored and is open to the public.  A statue of Dr Johnson's beloved cat, Hodge, sits outside.  The house is also a venue which can be hired for various events.  For more details, including info on a guided local walk and a Christmas Carol Concert, check the website: http://www.drjohnsonshouse.org/

On a very different note, with Halloween looming, you may want to check out the world's first 18+ pop-up cake shop.  For 3 days only, The Evil Cake Shop is coming to deepest, darkest Shoreditch.  Situated in a 'dungeon', it will be selling mad potions and cakes of a twisted, gruesome and even sexual variety.  Check the site http://evilcakeshop.com/

Please spread the Miss Immy word and I'll be back with more top blog spots soon!