Five must-see London exhibitions in October 2017

October. Possibly the busiest month of the art world calendar. With Frieze London and Frieze Masters taking place in Regent’s Park early in the month, a spate of museum and gallery shows are opening across London. Here are our highlights. 

Dali / Duchamp at the Royal Academy of Arts

Marcel Duchamp and Salvador Dali are two of the most famous figures of modern and contemporary art. On the surface, their practices, personalities and interests were very different. This exhibition at the Royal Academy seeks to explain why the pair were such good friends and the important similarities between their work.

Dali / Duchamp is at the Royal Academy of Arts from 7^th October 2017 until 3^rd January 2018. For further information or to book visit the Royal Academy of Arts website here. Read our review of the exhibition here. 

Harry Potter: A History of Magic at the British Library

Can you believe it’s 20 years since Harry first boarded the Hogwarts Express and headed off on a magical journey that captured a generation? If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you’ll love the upcoming exhibition of treasures from the British Library capturing folklore and magic, inspired by the syllabus Harry learns at school.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic is at the British Library from 20^th October 2017 until 28^th February 2018. For further information or to book visit the British Library website here.

The Mechanics of Happiness at CultureLabel x Palm Tree Gallery

CultureLabel presents a solo exhibition of work by acclaimed artist David Shillinglaw, in aid of mental health charity Mind. Shillinglaw’s colourful and emotive work illustrates and raises awareness of both problems and solutions associated with mental health awareness. 15% of profits will be donated to Mind, making this a fun and meaningful way to make a difference!

The Mechanics of Happiness is at CultureLabel x Palm Tree Gallery from 24^th until 29^th October 2017. For further information or to book visit the CultureLabel website here.

Tove Jansson (1914-2001) at Dulwich Picture Gallery

Tove Jansson is best known for her creation of the Moomins, but she was also a talented writer and painter. Containing over 150 works, many of which have never been shown in the UK, this exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery demonstrates the breadth of her output and the depth of her artistic thinking.

Tove Jansson is at Dulwich Picture Gallery from 25^th October 2017 until 28^th January 2018. For further information or to book visit the Dulwich Picture Gallery website here.

Cezanne Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery

Cezanne was undoubtedly one of the most important and influential artists of the 19^th century. This is the first time that 50 portraits by the artist have been brought together, and the show will chart the development of his revolutionary style and the influence of his various sitters.

Cezanne Portraits is at the National Portrait Gallery from 26^th October 2017 until 11^th February 2018. For further information or to book visit the National Portrait Gallery website here. 

Anna Souter