The ‘Kurt Cobain Unplugged’ exhibition is set to open on 3 June 2025 at the Royal College of Music Museum in London, marking the first UK display of Cobain’s iconic Martin D-18E guitar. This exhibition will explore Nirvana’s legendary MTV Unplugged performance, celebrated for its musical impact.

Tickets for the exhibition will be available for booking starting Wednesday, 30 April. Interested visitors can join the waitlist to receive updates and access when tickets go on sale.

The exhibition not only showcases the guitar, which fetched over $6 million at auction in 2020, but also reunites it with Cobain’s olive-green mohair cardigan from the 1993 Unplugged performance, marking a historic display of both items.

In addition to the guitar and cardigan, the exhibition features a selection of Nirvana memorabilia that highlights the band’s enduring influence and Cobain’s songwriting prowess.

Curated by rock journalist Alan di Perna and RCM’s Gabriele Rossi Rognoni, the exhibition promises insights into Nirvana’s legacy. Di Perna has contributed to prominent publications and has interviewed key figures in rock music.

Accompanying events will include performances and workshops inspired by Cobain’s guitar, designed to engage families and music enthusiasts alike, with further details to follow.

The ‘Kurt Cobain Unplugged’ exhibition at the Royal College of Music will showcase the legendary Martin D-18E guitar and Cobain’s cardigan, highlighting Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance. It is a unique opportunity for fans to explore the band’s legacy through curated memorabilia and events. Ticket bookings start on 30 April.

Original Source: www.broadwayworld.com

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Mudlarking, initially a survival tactic for the Victorian underclass, has transformed into a cherished hobby for Londoners and history buffs alike. This engaging pursuit allows participants to explore the Thames foreshore and rediscover the city’s rich history. The new London Museum exhibition, Secrets of the Thames, features over 350 artefacts found along the riverbanks, many on public display for the first time.

The exhibition immerses visitors in the realm of mudlarks, who serve as amateur archaeologists and storytellers. These enthusiasts uncover items that reveal fragments of daily life over centuries. Palaeontologist Alessio Chicconi, an avid mudlark, emphasises the importance of preserving history as it is discovered: “What mudlarks do is really important to preserve history as soon as it’s found.”

The unique conditions of the Thames, including its tidal movements and anaerobic mud, contribute to the preservation of a diverse range of artefacts, from prehistoric flint tools to 17th-century shoes. This allows for the exploration of multiple epochs, making the river a significant time capsule.

Mudlarking is motivated by a profound connection to past Britons. Chicconi reflects on the awe of being the first person to touch certain objects in millennia: “It’s quite incredible when we find these objects, to think that I am the first person to touch it in 4000 years.” Each discovery conveys stories of lives once lived, highlighting the beauty within ordinary items.

The exhibition, Secrets of the Thames, will remain open until 1 March 2026, inviting visitors to appreciate both the artefacts and the timeless human desire for legacy.

Mudlarking has evolved from a desperate means of survival to a valuable hobby that reconnects modern Londoners with their city’s history. The *Secrets of the Thames* exhibition showcases the diverse artefacts uncovered by mudlarks, illustrating the river’s unique role in preserving tales from the past. These finds serve as reminders of humanity’s shared history and the enduring desire to connect with those who came before us.

Original Source: www.newscientist.com

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A captivating exhibition by artist grAzie is on display at Colony Room Green in London, showcasing a series of colourful paintings influenced by pop culture. Her work combines elements of celebrity icons, fashion, and street art, providing a lively interpretation of familiar images through bright colours and textures. Iconic references in her pieces include Kim Kardashian, The Spice Girls, and The Beatles, reflecting the intersection of Pop art and street art.

By layering abstraction and texture, grAzie crafts a unique style that blends both street and fine art while retaining emotional depth. Her mixed media approach, often involving metallic papers and spray paints, creates a vibrant aesthetic aimed at enticing and entertaining viewers.

grAzie’s journey began in New Zealand, where she studied Fine Art at Canterbury University, before moving to London. The Colony Room, historically a haven for artists and eccentrics, has now transformed into Colony Room Green, an interactive art installation and bar. The venue features elements of its rich history alongside contemporary events like music and comedy.

The exhibition will run until the end of April, inviting visitors to experience grAzie’s playful and innovative artwork.

grAzie’s exhibition at Colony Room Green encapsulates the lively interplay of popular culture and art. Her vibrant paintings invite viewers to explore the emotional connections we have with iconic images. The transformation of Colony Room into an interactive art space enriches the cultural landscape of London, honouring its artistic legacy while embracing contemporary creativity. Visitors can enjoy grAzie’s work through to late April, experiencing a fusion of nostalgia and modern expression.

Original Source: www.londondaily.news

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The first UFC event in London showcased Ian Freeman and Mark Weir, who made notable first-round stoppages. Now, as the UFC returns to The O2 Arena, Freeman’s daughter Kennedy shines in the sport, having secured the Cage Warriors bantamweight title. Meanwhile, Weir coaches his fighter Christian Leroy Duncan during the event.

UFC events in London have previously highlighted talents like Michael Bisping and Arnold Allen. This weekend’s Fight Night features exciting matchups, with fighters seeking their breakthrough moments similar to past legends.

Chris Padilla, nicknamed “Taco,” impressed in 2024, securing quick finishes and showcasing tactical prowess. His recent victory over Rongzhu highlighted his elbow attack timing. As he faces Jai Herbert, a famed but inconsistent local fighter, a win could position him for larger opportunities.

Lone’er Kavanagh comes into the weekend undefeated and looking to build upon his knockout victory from Dana White’s Contender Series. He faces Felipe dos Santos in a critical bout to assess his divisional potential. Known for his striking and tactical composure, Kavanagh could soon earn a fight against ranked opponents.

Finally, Mick Parkin, a rising heavyweight, heads into a matchup with Marcin Tybura, hoping to maintain his unbeaten record. Training alongside experienced fighters and achieving impressive performances, Parkin seeks to validate his ascent in the UFC. A win could inch him closer to the title picture this year, particularly in a division needing fresh contenders.

The UFC London event promises excitement with fighters like Chris Padilla, Lone’er Kavanagh, and Mick Parkin aiming for career-defining moments. Each athlete is on the rise, showcasing talent and potential against formidable opponents. Their performances could pave the way for future recognition within the sport.

Original Source: www.ufc.com

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An exhibition titled “Secrets of the Thames: Mudlarking London’s Lost Treasures” has opened at the London Museum Docklands, focusing on the art of mudlarking, or searching for artefacts along the Thames’ foreshore. This major exhibition showcases over 350 objects that highlight the river’s significance in London’s rich history spanning more than 10,000 years. The Thames has been a site of human activity and historical remnants since prehistoric times through various periods, including Roman and Viking invasions.

Historically, mudlarking began in the early 1800s, primarily as a way for the impoverished to scavenge the foreshore for sellable items. This often perilous pursuit, especially for children and women, involved navigating dangerous tides and hazardous conditions. Today, licensed mudlarks, with a growing interest since 2020, carefully search for treasures that may have been preserved in the river’s unique environment.

The exhibition features numerous interesting finds, including a medieval gold ring, a Viking-era dagger, and items like clay pipes and 18th-Century false teeth. Many artefacts are displayed for the first time, showcasing excellent preservation due to the humid, clay environment of the Thames. Local artist and mudlark Amy-Leigh Bird illustrates the beauty in everyday objects, encouraging visitors to recognise the stories behind each artefact from the river.

Bird’s sculpture “Ancient Ruins,” composed of collected bones, highlights the importance of overlooked fragments of history. The exhibition offers visitors an immersive experience, inviting them to explore the story behind each find. Curator Kate Sumnall emphasizes the importance of the Thames as a treasure trove of London’s past, filled with stories of migration, community, and love.

This engaging exhibition is expected to attract both casual visitors and historians eager to delve into London’s dynamic history. Running for a year at the London Museum Docklands, tickets are available starting from £16. For further details, visit the museum’s website.

The exhibition “Secrets of the Thames: Mudlarking London’s Lost Treasures” highlights the rich historical significance of artefacts found along the Thames foreshore. With over 350 displayed items, it underscores the importance of preserving and understanding the stories behind these relics of the past. This engaging exhibition offers a unique window into London’s historical narrative, appealing to a broad audience.

Original Source: insidecroydon.com

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MI5, the renowned British spy agency, is showcasing its secrets through its first-ever exhibition in London, commemorating 115 years of its history. The exhibition features insights from double agents and gadgets reminiscent of James Bond. A central figure is Karl Muller, suspected of espionage in 1915, who inadvertently used a lemon’s juice as invisible ink in a intercepted letter detailing British troop movements, leading to his execution.

Founded before World War I to counter fears of German invasion, MI5’s first head was army officer Vernon Kell. Today, it employs over 5,000 personnel, with MI6 as its foreign service counterpart. MI5 director Ken McCallum remarked that reality often diverges from fiction in their operations, where ordinary people engage in exceptional activities for national security.

The free exhibition, running from April 5 to September 28, reveals some of MI5’s more troubling historical facets. Highlights include Guy Burgess’s abandoned passport and briefcase, reflecting his status as a defected Soviet agent, and a note detailing Queen Elizabeth II’s calm knowledge of Anthony Blunt’s espionage activities.

Recent artifacts include an IRA mortar shell fired at 10 Downing Street in 1991. The display includes voices from anonymous MI5 agents, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing informants and ensuring their loyalty and truthfulness. Since 2022, women account for nearly 48% of MI5’s workforce, a significant shift since its inception when intelligence roles were predominantly male. Notably, agent Maxwell Knight once advocated for the intuitive strengths women can bring to espionage.

Visitors to the exhibition can also engage with challenges, such as information retention and code-breaking, to gauge their potential as spies, further enriching the interactive experience.

The MI5 exhibition in London is a historical showcase of the agency’s secrets and evolution over 115 years. It highlights key figures, notable espionage tactics, and the changing demographics within MI5. The engaging format encourages public participation, allowing visitors to explore the complexities of intelligence work.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com

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MI5 is revealing its secrets through the exhibition “MI5: Official Secrets” at The National Archives in London. This extraordinary event, running from April 5 to September 28, 2025, presents historical espionage documents, tools, and artifacts from MI5’s 115-year history. Director general Ken McCallum emphasises the agency’s commitment to transparency, addressing public curiosity about its past operations.

Highlighted items include a 110-year-old shrivelled lemon used by German spy Karl Muller to create invisible ink during World War I, leading to his capture and execution in 1915. The exhibition further delves into the stories of the “Cambridge Five,” double agents who served the Soviet Union while embedded in British intelligence. Visitors can explore confessions and surveillance reports related to notorious figures such as Kim Philby and Anthony Blunt, shedding light on their treacherous activities and their consequences.

Moreover, the exhibition provides perspectives on the evolving roles within espionage, notably a 1945 report by spy Maxwell White discussing the potential of women as agents. White countered claims of women’s indiscretion, stating that the majority of cases of “loose talk” involved men revealing secrets or switching allegiances. This exhibit marks a significant departure from MI5’s historic secrecy, inviting public engagement with its complex history and the evolution of intelligence in national security.

The “MI5: Official Secrets” exhibition represents a landmark initiative by MI5 to share its historical narrative and engage the public. This display features significant artefacts and highlights the agency’s transformation towards transparency. By exploring notable cases and reflecting on evolving gender roles in espionage, MI5 opens a new chapter in its relationship with the public, making its history more accessible and informative.

Original Source: www.tovima.com

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A new series of stunning posters by artist Eliza Southwood will be displayed across the London Underground this year. This initiative, part of the London Transport Museum’s ‘Transported by Culture’, aims to showcase the city’s cultural venues with vibrant illustrations.

The four seasonal posters continue a longstanding tradition of contemporary art in the transport network, initiated by Frank Pick in 1908. Pick advocated for using poster art to promote London’s attractions, creating a legacy still celebrated today.

The first poster will showcase the Dulwich Picture Gallery, followed by designs of the London Transport Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and London Zoo. These eye-catching artworks will enhance the museum’s significant graphic art collection and will also be available for purchase online and at the museum.

Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO of the London Transport Museum, expressed excitement about reviving Pick’s vision of accessible art. “These new posters celebrate the capital’s creativity through art, theatre and music programming for our visitors,” she noted.

Eliza Southwood remarked on her pride in creating artworks representing four key London locations. The series will debut on April 4, so be on the lookout for these spectacular designs in the Underground!

The London Underground will feature a series of beautiful posters by Eliza Southwood, celebrating the city’s cultural venues. This initiative honours the legacy of Frank Pick and aims to make art accessible to all. The first poster will appear on April 4, with more designs following seasonally, enhancing the transport network’s artistic offering.

Original Source: secretldn.com

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Seventeen pieces of historic swimwear from Southend Museums will be showcased at the Design Museum’s “Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style” exhibition, starting March 28. The exhibition covers 100 years of swimwear evolution, from early 20th-century lidos to contemporary styles.

Since May 2024, Southend Museums staff collaborated with the Design Museum to select and prepare these artefacts for display. The Southend collection features unique items, such as 1920s woollen swimsuits, a 1960s Bri-Nylon swimsuit by Olympic champion Judy Grinham, and 1980s leopard-print Speedo trunks.

Councillor Matt Dent expressed pride in the swimwear collection, highlighting its importance to Southend’s seaside heritage and cultural identity. He noted the exhibition’s significance in showcasing the innovative history of swimwear on a national platform.

The exhibition presents a unique opportunity to view Southend’s historic swimwear, emphasising the region’s cultural significance. It traces over a century’s evolution of swimwear, reflecting changes in leisure and societal attitudes.

Original Source: www.echo-news.co.uk

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Families with young Minecraft fans will enjoy the new Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue in East London. This immersive virtual reality attraction allows participants to jump, wave their arms, and gather resources to save villagers. Located close to Canada Water, the event takes place at Corner Corner, a new venue designed for such experiences.

Upon arrival, guests receive an Orb of Interaction and a quest in the waiting area. Visitors engage in resource gathering by tapping and jumping, collecting materials like wood and metal to prepare for challenges. The projectors create an interactive environment, while friendly staff guide groups through various rooms.

Players battle virtual foes, with team dynamics encouraging competition. Through navigating scenery, tapping tables, and enjoying real-life activities like throwing softballs, participants are fully immersed in Minecraft’s universe. At the end, players see their scores displayed along with impressive smoke and light effects.

Although the experience is accessible to all fitness levels, it involves considerable physical activity, which may tire out participants. After the adventure, there’s a gift shop and a café, perfect for weary players to relax and enjoy refreshments.

Overall, attendees left the experience excited, especially the kids who revelled in interactivity. It suits families looking for fun and can entertain adults as well on themed outings.

The Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue offers an engaging, interactive adventure for families, incorporating physical activity and teamwork. Located conveniently in East London, it promotes a blend of virtual and real-world interactions, ensuring participants enjoy a thrilling experience. Suitable for all ages, it makes for an entertaining day out, highlighted by a café for post-experience recovery, affirming its appeal for both kids and adults.

Original Source: secretldn.com

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