Walk The Line

London's first sculpture walk

The Line is London’s first sculpture walk established by art dealer Megan Piper and the late urban regeneration expert Clive Dutton OBE. The outdoor exhibition of sculptures takes place along the waterways of East London (one of London’s best kept secrets) and takes around three hours to complete. It features modern and contemporary art – many that have been hidden from public view between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The Greenwich Meridian.

Here by Jon Thomson and Alison Craighead is in fact located on the Greenwich Meridian (zero degrees longitude and the starting point of every time zone in the world) and marks the 24,859 mile distance around the earth and back.

Many of the large-scale pieces, such as Liberty Grip by Gary Hume is sited in such a way to encourage viewers to engage with the art. This bronze sculpture is based on the arm of a store mannequin and even includes pink at the end of each limb.

While others like Quantum Cloud by Anthony Gormley can only be viewed at a distance either on the foot path or from the Emirates Air-Line above.

In case you are wondering just what you are looking at, the pieces are all well-marked and labelled.  For example, Abigail Fallis' DNA DL90 is a monumental arrangement of shopping trolleys* fashioned into a DNA double-helix sculpture and alludes to how consumer culture has become part of one's genetic makeup.

There is also a handy online map and directions making it easy to start and finish from multiple points depending on what your time allows.

The Line is on track to become a world class sculpture walk (or cycle) to enjoy – a far cry from the pirate corpses that once hung in cages as a warning to criminals!

www.the-line.org

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Dine with Mum

Mothering Sunday March 31st

Dandelyan — Located within the Sea Containers house along the River Thames, Dandelyan at Mondrian London features a colorful and tasteful art deco interior. The award-winning bar was named the World's Best Bar and and not surprisingly home to the World's Best Cocktail Menu. With stunning views of the river, it is a perfect place to stop in for a drink or book ahead for Dandelyan's 70s inspired four course Wyld Tea complete with four botanical cocktails.
Request a table on the far end of the bar with a view of St. Paul's Cathedral
www.dandelyanbar.com ✆ +44 2037 471063
20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD, UK

Portrait Restaurant — Housed within the National Portrait Gallery adjacent to Trafalgar Square, The Portrait Restaurant boasts one of the best views of London.  In addition to traditional afternoon tea and set lunch menu daily, they also offer a well-priced pre-theatre menu (Thursday - Saturday) and special pricing on restaurant and exhibition ticket packages.
Request a table for two along the bay of windows - left for a view of London Eye or right for view of Big Ben
www.npg.org.uk ✆ +44 2073 060055
National Portrait Gallery, St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE

Radio Rooftop — Situated ten floors up within ME London, Radio Rooftop offers iconic views of London's skyline. Avoid the crowds and minimum spend in the evenings by making a daytime booking. Afternoon tea is a special treat on the open air rooftop that can be cleverly covered and heated when the weather doesn't cooperate.
Request a table for two along the balcony edge
www.radiorooftop.com/london ✆ +44 2073 953440
ME London, 336-337 Strand, London WC2R

In case these don't match what you are looking for, check out Affordable Teas with a Twist and Perfect Pairings for more Mum-friendly options.

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The Watts Gallery

Tourist Destination of the Year

Recognized as the 2018 Tourist Destination of the Year by the Surrey Business Awards, The Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village is an ‘arts and crafts gem’ located in Compton, Surrey. The Gallery is dedicated to George Frederic Watts, one of the greatest Victorian era painters and considered England’s Michelangelo. It is one of the few UK galleries devoted to a single artist and features 100+ paintings and sculptures – many on a monumental scale.

G.F. Watts was married to Mary Watts an acclaimed artist, founder of the Compton Pottery and creator of Watts Chapel. The couple lived and worked an increasing amount of time away from London at Limnerslease (‘Limner' word for artist and 'lease' meaning to glean hope for the future), their home and studio located nearby.

It was here where Mary taught terracotta classes to the local villagers who created the tiles that decorate the Chapel. The Chapel itself was funded by sales of commissioned portraits painted by GF Watts.

Today, guests can visit the Gallery and Chapel and guided tours of Limnerslease. The gift shop located in the former Compton Pottery building features a tasteful collection of products ranging from books, clothing and jewellery to housewares, including replicas of Compton Pottery terracotta pots.

With so much to see and everything within walking distance, the tea shop is a perfect place to stop for homemade soups, sandwiches and salads and of course afternoon tea.

Another charming place to eat before or after a visit to The Watts Gallery is The Withies Inn — just a 4 minute drive away. Who knew such a small vilage could have so much to offer!
www.wattsgallery.org.uk ✆ +44 1483 810235
Down Lane, Compton, Surrey GU3 1DQ

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