London honors: Artists express admiration for the city at Saatchi Yates gallery exhibition
London's Art Scene Unleashed: A Riot of Talent at Saatchi Yates
What juggles your creativity when the words "London art" echo in your mind? Perhaps it's the haunted visages of artists like Francis Bacon and Frank Auerbach pulling you into a city gasping for breath in the throes of war. Or maybe a rebel spirit ignites, drawing you to Damien Hirst's drug cabinets and Slawn's eye-catching dashes of color, or Yinka Shonibare's lively motifs. If it's all of them, then "London Calling," the whirlwind celebration of London hosted by Saatchi Yates, has your name on it.
Roaring into life in the ashes of World War II, the "Once Upon a Time in London" exhibition gathers together an eclectic mix of established and up-and-coming artists in a jubilant appreciation of London's impact on the cultural arena. For gallery founders Arthur Yates and Phoebe Saatchi Yates, opening their doors in 2020 amidst whispers that London's artistic scene had been eclipsed by Paris and Milan, this exhibit feels like a fierce comeback.
Works from renowned artists such as David Hockney, George Rouy, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Michael Armitage, Jade Fadojutimi, Peter Doig, Chris Ofili, Bridget Riley, and many more trace Britain's artistic journey from post-war straits, through recessions and pandemics, up to Brexit. A sense of celebration permeates the show, accompanied by a vibrant lineup of events and collaborations. Some highlights include a catalog curated by Norman Foster, the launch of St John x Saatchi Yates' wine, and a mischievous Nicky Haslam tea towel.
The artwork on display is as diverse as it is captivating, with a renewal of traditional mediums a constant theme. Side by side, contemporary artists like Lynette Yiadom-Boakye with her enigmatic reimaginings of figurative painting and Jenny Saville with her provocative female figures, celebrate London as a crossroads of artistic thought. Together, their works create an exhilarating love letter to all that makes London great. As the founders note, "Our gallery seeks to foster a conversation between the art world and the public."
'Once Upon a Time in London' is at Saatchi Yates, 12 June - 17 August 2025, saatchiyates.com.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Sign up for our daily dose of inspiration, escapism, and design-related stories from across the globe, delivered straight to your inbox.
After immersing oneself in the intricate universe of London's art scene, it's enticing to envision a lifestyle that blends home-and-garden aesthetics with the vibrant colors and patterns reminiscent of works by Yinka Shonibare.
Post-exhibition, one might find solace in re-creating the exhilarating atmosphere of 'Once Upon a Time in London' by infusing home decor with a mix of traditional and contemporary art pieces, reflecting the diverse and captivating works on display at Saatchi Yates.
