The Big, Beautiful Bicentenary

Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh. One of the most-loved paintings in the world by one of the most famous painters in history. A Dutch Post-Impressionist, Van Gogh’s landscapes, still life's and portraits are renowned for their colourful, emphatic mark making and energetic expression, and it was after a move in 1888 from Paris to Provence that Van Gogh painted Sunflowers, in preparation for a visit from his friend and fellow artist Paul Gauguin. One of several versions he created now hangs in The National Gallery, which is this year, marking its bicentenary.

Just a short walk from One Aldwych, along the Strand to Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery is home to an array of countless other masterpieces, such as Bathers by Paul Cézanne, The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci, The Hay Wain by John Constable and Rembrandt’s self-portrait. As a venue, however, it offers so much more than pictures at an exhibition. It curates exciting themed exhibitions and puts on a plethora of engaging events, including creative workshops, talks, tours, musical performances and even comedy sets.

Now the programme is in full-on celebratory mode for a whole year, setting the tone for another century of art at its best and most inspiring. Many institutions and brands are acknowledging the bicentenary in their own way – even the Royal Mint has produced a collectable £2 coin. And at One Aldwych, as a hotel with a cultured independent spirit and a collector’s eye for art, we’ll be ensuring guests are kept up to date with everything that’s going on via our Concierge. We’ll also be raising a cocktail in honour of The National Gallery called Sunflower Pop, a vibrant gin-based drink with apricot, peach and mango.

There’s plenty of online content to enjoy too (check out nationalgallery.org.uk) that takes you behind the scenes, with virtual tours. And if you’re on a long haul British Airways flight, you can tune into mindful meditations on art and 10 minute talks on national treasures. But hey, you’re on the ground at One Aldwych, so don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the art.