RCA Mini Masterpieces

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1,800+ postcards to pick from

Established in 1994, the Royal College of Art (RCA) Stewarts RCA Secrets exhibition is one of the most popular art events of the year attracting both novice and serious art collectors. The exhibit will feature over 1,800 original postcard-sized pieces priced at £60 each by established and emerging artists. Postcards range from traditional drawing, painting and photography to even embroidery and sculpture. All proceeds of the annual sale benefit the RCA.

The ‘secret’ is part of the fun and intrigue. The postcards are displayed anonymously, and the artist’s is not revealed until the postcard is sold. Past contributors include David Bowie, Manolo Blahnik, David Hockney, Orla Kiely, Stella McCartney, Yoko Ono, *Grayson Perry and *Paul Smith (*confirmed for 2018).

The free exhibit opens November 30th (online viewing on November 29th) and runs until December 3rd. Purchases can be made on a first come first serve basis beginning on December 1st. The maximum number is four, but additional ones may be purchased on December 3rd, the final day of the exhibition. Online registration is required to view postcards online or to make a purchase.

Exhibition
November 30 : Noon – 7 pm
December 2, 3 : 10 am – 6 pm
December 1 : Noon – 6 pm

Collection
December 6 : 4 – 8 pm

Here’s your chance to purchase a masterpiece by an internationally known or an up-and-coming artist at a bargain price!
www.london.secret.rca.ac.uk
Senior Common Room, Darwin Building, Jay Mews, Kensington London SW7 2EU

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London's Best Holiday Windows

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5 displays in 50 minutes

Black Friday, the day after US Thanksgiving holiday (fourth Thursday of the month), is considered one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Since 2010, it has gained popularity in the UK.

Even before this tradition crossed the pond, London has had a long history of some of the best window displays in the world. So while everyone is nabbing deals inside, get into the holiday spirit outside at five of the very best . . .

Harrods — Harrods is a British retail institution known throughout the world. Luxury merchandise is featured in 330 departments covering seven floors at its London store — the largest department store in the UK.
Walk 4 minutes to Harvey Nichols
www.harrods.com ✆ +44 2077 301234
87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL

Harvey Nichols — Established in 1831, Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge is an eight-story high-end department store featuring hundreds of beauty, clothing, food and wine brands.
Walk 24 minutes to Selfridges
www.harveynichols.com ✆ +44 2072 355000
109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ

Selfridges — Voted as one of the top department stores in the world, the Oxford Street flagship store includes beauty and food halls, shoe gallery, restaurants, spa and even an in-store psychics.
Walk 12 minutes to Liberty
www.selfridges.com ✆ +44 2077 301234
87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL

Liberty — Since 1875, Liberty has been best-known for its in-house collection of print fabrics. Today, Liberty continues to collaborate with designers and has expanded its eclectic offerings beyond fashion to include cosmetics, home decor and jewellery*.
Walk 10 minutes to Fortnum & Mason
www.libertylondon.com ✆ +44 2077 341234
Regent St, Carnaby, London W1B 5AH, UK

Fortnum & Mason — Founded in 1707, Fortnum & Mason located in Piccadilly is considered to be London's oldest department store. Fortnum's signature, luxury picnic hampers, which made their debut in Victorian times at Royal Ascot and Henley Regatta, are still popular today. 
www.fortnumandmason.com ✆ +44 2077 348040
181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER

. . . all without spending a single pence!

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Poppies are back

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Display ends November 18th

One of the most viewed London public artworks, the Tower of London poppies are back. In July - November 2014, the Tower of London featured a public art installation, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Britain’s involvement in World War I. Each of the 888,246 ceramic red poppies represented serviceman killed during the War.
The majority of the poppies from the installation were sold benefiting six charities. The ceramic artist Paul Cummins and conceptual designer Tom Piper received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in honor of this civil achievement in 2015.

Two segments of the installation, The Wave and Weeping Window, will be on tour until Remembrance Day November 18th to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the end of the War. These installations will then enter the permanent collection of the Imperial War Museum (IWM).

A visit to IWM London to see Weeping Window and/or IWM Manchester to see The Wave before they are removed is well worth it!
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Seasonal Shopping in Surrey

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High Street alternatives

Now that Halloween is over, the true holiday shopping season has begun. Mark your diary for some of the best off the High Street shopping Surrey — all with onsite free parking:

Squires Garden Centre (Multiple) November 8th — Shopping Evening 5 - 8:30 pm : Free glass of welcome Prosecco, live music, curry dinner in cafe from 6 - 8 pm and 15% off everything in the store. Given how early this event is they have promised no Christmas music.
www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Garson's Farm (Multiple) November 14th and 28th — Late Night Members Shopping Event 5:30 pm - 8 pm : Welcome bubbly, holiday activities, samples and 10% off all purchases.
www.garsons.co.uk

AWS Gift Fayre (Cobham) November 18th — AWS 28th Gift Faye 10 am - 4 pm: One of Surrey’s longest running gift fayres featuring 120 stalls with all proceeds benefiting local charities takes places at ACS Cobham International School.
www.awsurrey.org
Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1BL

Priory Farm (Redhill) November 24th and 25th — Christmas Food Festival 10 am - 4 pm, Saturday and 10:30 am - 4 pm Sunday : With free samples from all exhibitors - it is a chance to try before you buy (if you have recovered from Thanksgiving!).
www.prioryfarm.co.uk ✆ +44 1737 823304
Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey RH1 4EJ

Best of all you’ll have the satisfaction of having holiday shopping completed before December 1st!

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