The famous paintings Sunflower by Vincent Van Gogh are known the world over, and one of the artist's paintings can be seen in London.

Today, I'd like to tell you a little more about this very famous work.

Van Gogh's sunflowers in London: article summary

Van Gogh's sunflowers in London: in brief

Vincent Van Gogh painted them with three shades of yellow "and nothing else", to demonstrate that it was possible to use variations of the same color without losing its expressive power.

The master produced several versions: one with a turquoise background, said to be in a private American collection.

The other, with its royal blue background, was lost in a fire in Japan during the bombings of the Second World War.

But today, is the London version you can see on your visit to the city.

Experimenting with color

Van Gogh began painting still lifes of flowers to experiment with color. His early Dutch period was characterized by the use of dark colors and heavy forms, peasants and their lives.

In Paris, the artist saw the fresh colors chosen by the Impressionists, which inspired him to use more color in his own work.

After adopting Impressionist techniques and studying Pointillism, he painted Parisian scenes, portraits and flowers.

Contemporaries also painted flowers, but not the coarser sunflowers that Vincent appreciated for their size, shape and structure.

Van Gogh's sunflowers in London: 5 different versions

When Paul Gauguin decided to visit, Vincent painted various still lifes of sunflowers to decorate the guest room of his yellow house.

Although originally designed for Gauguin, Van Gogh later took the sunflower as his personal artistic signature.

During his stay in the yellow house, Gauguin painted Vincent at work, entitling the canvas "Le Peintre des Tournesols" ("The Sunflower Painter").

A plant symbolizing gratitude

The significance of the sunflowers is explained by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam: they were meant to symbolize gratitude.

Together, the paintings were to form a triptych. Vincent Van Gogh thought that the triptych as a whole symbolized gratitude.

The artist painted several canvases of sunflowers at the same time. In Van Gogh's sunflower series, the differences are not great: the arrangement and positioning of the flowers are similar.

However, the number of flowers varies, as does the time of flowering. And the background colors vary.

In recent years, cutting-edge research has shown that colors have changed. Some colors have faded over time.

Van Gogh's sunflowers in London: some interesting facts

There are several theories about Van Gogh's prolific use of yellow. It is said that consuming too much absinthe or using digitalis could have caused him to see yellow more intensely.

Fingerprints are found on the edge of a sunflower painting. The artist had to pick up the canvas before the paint dried.

Vincent Van Gogh applied paint in thick layers, often directly from the tube.

A recently attacked painting

At the National Gallery in London, one of the original paintings of sunflowers was targeted last autumn by environmental activists from the Just Stop Oil campaign.

They threw tomato soup at him before sticking their hands to the wall. The canvas, covered in Plexiglas, has not been damagedbut the frame is. The painting was re-exhibited the same day.

Where to see Van Gogh's sunflowers?

Vincent's sunflowers are part of the Van Gogh Exhibition, the immersive experience that's been touring the world for five years now, and already seen by 5 million visitors.

What are the opening hours?

You can visit us on site:

• Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Van Gogh's sunflowers are a major work to see when visiting London. If you'd like to learn more, I recommend a detour to the Van Gogh exhibition. You'll be able to enjoy the many paintings created by the artist.

The Egyptian Archaeology Museum in London overflows with ancient Egyptian treasures.

Here's what you need to know to plan your trip.

Egypt Museum in London: article summary

What is the Museum of Egyptian Archaeology in London?

The Petrie Museum is named after Flinders Petrie, UCL's first professor of Egyptology and a renowned archaeologist.

In fact, Petrie himself found a large part of the More than 80,000 objects make up the museum's collection.

Egypt Museum, London: what can you see inside the museum?

The Petrie Museum traces the development of Egyptian culture from the Paleolithic to the Islamic period.

While there are many impressive exhibits, the museum's greatest achievement is to bring to life a civilization about which we know so many facts, but so little knowledge.

He achieves this with a breathtaking display of everyday objects. Objects that people would have used in their everyday lives, as well as other expensive items that you traditionally associate with archaeological finds.

Why should you visit this place?

The Petrie Museum itself may be small, but it's packed with ancient Egyptian and Sudanese artefacts. It's undoubtedly one of the best places in London to get a good look at these ancient civilizations.

There are two main rooms. The first is packed with objects of all shapes and sizes, from a pair of ancient pliers to a rat trap, from hieroglyphic plaques to mummy coffins.

The second room is less exciting. It's mainly devoted to pottery. But even pottery tells a story. Petrie was one of the first to recognize the important role pottery could play in archaeological dating.

A small but comprehensive museum

There are so many exhibitions that the museum simply doesn't have enough space to display them all.

They even requisitioned one of the staircases to display part of the collection. It's certainly one of London's most unique exhibition spaces.

Egypt Museum in London: the many things to see

It's a small museum, so you won't need a whole day to explore it. But there are some things you should spend more time on.

One of the museum's best-known pieces is a large relief of the fertility god Min, who, as you'd expect, is shown with a rather alarmingly large penis.

Min is depicted with a lettuce leaf, which the Egyptians believed contributed to fertility, as it secreted juice when rubbed.

See the beautiful pearl net dresses

Another not-to-be-missed exhibition showcases the fashions of ancient Egypt. The pearl net dress dates from around 2,400 BC. It was designed so that it trembled when it moved.

Whoever wore it is thought to have worn it over linen underwear, but we can't be sure.

Learn more about shabtis: post-mortem slaves

The Egyptians believed they had to perform manual labor in the afterlife, but were not at all impressed by the idea of spending eternity doing things like polishing silver. So they created these shabtis, who were buried with them in the tomb.

The idea was that the shabtis would perform the menial tasks and that the the deceased could simply live out his or her life in paradise.

How did London's Egyptian Museum come into being?

The museum was founded to provide a practical resource for students of archaeology in the newly created department at the University of London.

The museum's first objects were provided by a bequest from the pioneering writer and Egyptologist Amelia Edwards, who also funded the Edwards Chair of Egyptology, a professorship that still exists today.

It moved into its current premises, a former stable, in the 1950s.

What are the opening hours?

To visit the museum, you can go to :

• Tuesday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Egyptian Museum in London is a must-see if you want to learn more about Egypt. If you want to find out more, you can also visit the British Museum which also has an important collection.

You've never really experienced a shopping day until you've done the TK Maxx experience.

Offering top brands in home and fashion for up to 60 % less than the recommended retail price, you're sure to find hidden treasures on every visit.

TK Maxx in London: article summary

TK Maxx in London: a store offering huge discounts

They may not be new-season collections, but let's be honest, iconic cookware from iconic French brands is a timeless investment.

On-site, you can take advantage of major brands of kitchen utensils. You can find exceptional French brands such as Le Creuset. Other sought-after brands often grace the shelves, including :

• Tefal
• Denby
• Jamie Oliver

Finding treasures in liquidation

TK Maxx doesn't usually offer sales on the products it sells. Here, you'll find just the top brands and designer gems with deep discounts compared to department stores and the general public.

Prices are available every day. A few times a year, the stores organize a "Final Clearance". During this event, you'll find even better prices than the standard 60 % discount.

TK Maxx in London: unique furniture

When you arrive at TK Maxx, you never know what you're going to leave with. Depending on the size of the store, the furniture departments offer substantial deals on every part.

From classic wing chairs to industrial-style cabinetry, the pieces are totally unique and incredibly well-priced.

Enjoy pillows and bedding from top brands

Quality bedding to guarantee a perfect night's sleep is priceless. That said, TK Maxx has set a price, and it's always guaranteed. that it represents only a fraction of the recommended retail price.

With brands such as Snuggledown and Silentnight for pillows and comforters, and Designer's Guild and Scion for comforter sets, you can rest easy. What's more, you'll have achieved big savings on major designer brands.

TK Maxx in London: a well-stocked linen department

If you're looking for quality towels, you can find them at TK Maxx in London. With brands such as Ralph Lauren, Christy and many others, it's the ideal place to buy brand-name towels.

Enough to replenish your linen stock this spring.

Discover new stock every day

The TK Maxx retail model is all about moving inventory fast! The in-house team buys and ships daily.

The store and the webshop receive several orders a week, each order containing thousands of items.

TK Maxx in London: you can now buy online

Bargains at the click of a button - that's all this store lacks. However, the stock is not as large as on site.

For those who like to shop online, there's a dedicated area on the "TK Maxx Insider" site. To help customers make the most of the TK Maxx shopping experience.

They've created a space with style tips, housewares guides, fashion trend updates and much more.

Fantastic savings on designer clothing

Here you'll also find significant savings on clothing, especially denim and handbags.

A good pair of jeans and a luxury handbag are all the more affordable thanks to TK Maxx prices.

With denim brands ranging from Diesel to J Brand, and handbags from Mulberry to Valentino, this is the place to invest in designer pieces.

What are the opening hours?

You can visit us on site:

• Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday from 12 am to 6 pm

TK Maxx in London is an exceptional store offering savings on all your purchases. When in London, if you want to bring home some bedding for affordable prices, I recommend a visit to one of our stores.

If you're simply looking for a peaceful London walk in the heart of nature, St James Park is the ideal place.

Today, let's take a look back at this green space, much appreciated by locals and tourists alike.

St James Park in London: article summary

St James Park in London: a little history

The area where St. James Park now stands was in fact once the site of a women's leper hospital, dedicated to James The Less.

Henry VIII bought the land from Eton College in 1532, then built St James's Palace before to turn the land into its own deer-hunting and duck-shooting ground.

But it was thanks to Charles II that the park's original marshland was transformed into a long, narrow canal that can still be seen today.

In the seventeenth century, Charles II redesigned the park more like the gardens of Versailles in France.

The greatest transformation of St. James Park took place in 1828, when architect John Nash redesigned the grounds with trees, lawns and gardens under the orders of George IV.

A park you must visit

St James Park covers 23 hectares and is ideally located close to :

• From Buckingham Palace
• From St James's Palace
• From Birdcage Walk

Not only does St James Park boast beautiful flowerbeds and large green spaces, it is also home to 15 different bird species, the most famous being the resident pelican colony.

Among the many other animals you can find in the park are :

• Squirrels
• Water birds
• Ducks
• Geese
• Swans
• Owls

The Blue Bridge is famous in its own right, having been featured in numerous films throughout its history.

Standing on the bridge, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Buckingham Palace, and if you look to the east, you'll be able to see all the sights.ou'll see the Swire Fountain and Whitehall Court.

St James Park in London: a view of the city's main monuments

There are also two islands in St James's Park, and on the south side of Duck Island, you'll see a Tiffany fountain perched on a Pelican rock, with picturesque views over the London Eye and Big Ben.

There are also two famous monuments in St. James Park, one of which commemorates the soldiers of the Guards regiments who perished in the world wars.

To the north, you'll see the Royal Artillery South Africa memorial, built to commemorate the Royal Artillery who died during the Boen wars.

How do I get there?

You can reach St James Park in a number of ways.

If you are travelling in metroThe nearest station is St. James Park, a two-minute walk from the park.

Victoria station is a 13-minute walk away by train.

Finally, if you are travelling in busYou can reach St. James Park via routes 3, 11, 12, 24, 24, 29, 29, 53, 53, 77a, 77a, 88, 91, 148, 148, 159, 211 and 453.

St James Park in London: what are the opening hours?

If you can, try to plan your visit around the daily pelican feedings that attract many daily visitors to the park. Pelicans are fed daily by park staff between :

• 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

St. James Park is open every day of the year from 5 a.m. to midnight.

How much does admission cost?

Entrance to the park is free, but if you want to relax or read a book on warmer days, you can always rent a deckchair.

Deckchairs are available between March and October during the day and during the night. cost £1.50 an hour.

During your visit to London, I recommend a trip to St James Park. Here you can discover an incredible array of flora and fauna. You'll be able to spend beautiful days surrounded by nature.

If you are planning to visit London, I advise you to go to Koko.

This bar attracts more and more people every year, and you may be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Today, let's take a tour of this exceptional place.

Le Koko in London: article summary

Le Koko in London: at a glance

With several floors, numerous bars, several dance floors and one hell of a stage, Koko Camden has established itself as one of London's leading concert venues, welcoming hordes of revellers week after week.

Open for over a decade, it's a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Here, you can share your taste for good music and enjoy one of the bar's cocktails.

A place steeped in history

Formerly "Camden Palace", the venue was primarily a theater. There are several bars and smaller areas in the potential "circle" and "upper circle" zones, with the stage and stalls being the main focus of the action.

The multi-level, semi-circular format can be quite confusing, and rightly so, but that's part of the fun! A truly unique facility, the venue is designed for live music, attracting some of the biggest names in the business.

If you'd like to find out more about the program on your arrival, please consult the website of the site. It is regularly updated to keep customers informed.

Le Koko in London: a unique atmosphere and clientele

Due to the nature of the events on offer, the clientele is always different from one evening to the next. For Koko's regular Friday evening, you can expect a young and wild crowd.

For their famous "Guilty Pleasures" club night, you can expect a slightly older crowd, but still ready to party.

Whenever you find yourself at Koko, you'll be surrounded by noise, laughter and music. Just the thing for an unpretentious evening with friends.

A wide variety of musical styles

From cheesy rock classics on Saturday to the latest indie releases on Friday night, the music policy leans heavily towards good, danceable tunes.

The Koko is perhaps best known as a concert hall and offers a good list of small and large groups playing throughout the week.

Even at CamdenLondon's home of rock and metal, Koko is held in high esteem for his avant-garde politics.

You'll be able to gather your friends and enjoy an exceptional evening here.

Le Koko in London: what are the opening times?

You can visit us on site:

• Sunday to Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Koko in London is an exceptional nightclub that I advise you not to miss when you're in London. A trip to Camden is always an exceptional experience. On your way out, you can enjoy the many eccentric venues on offer here.

From South Bank to Shoreditch, London is home to a dizzying array of design hotels.

If you're planning a trip, here are a few places to stay in style.

Design hotel in London: article summary

Design hotel in London: the One Hundred Shoreditch

Located on one of London's busiest and liveliest thoroughfares, Shoreditch High Street, One Hundred Shoreditch does not disappoint.

A dreamy rooftop terrace with interiors and stunning city views is a big draw. The elegant rooms are equally convincing.

These provide a calm counterpoint to the busy outside world.

NoMad London

The NoMad London is located in a listed building that once housed the Bow Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station, just a short walk from the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden.

At its heart is a vast glass atrium that buzzes from breakfast to bedtime.

Designed by New York studio Roman and Williams, the rooms are bright, luxurious and comfortable with a relaxed mix of classic and contemporary furniture.

Design hotel in London: the Standard London

The Standard London occupies part of the former Camden Town Hall in Kings Cross. Shawn Hausman Design's '70s-inspired interiors playfully reflect the building's Brutalist heritage.

The rooms feature tiled floors and brightly coloured textiles and original curved windows overlooking Saint-Pancras.

Don't miss chef Peter Sanches-Iglesias' Spanish and Mexican cuisine at Decimo, the restaurant on the 10ᵉ floor. Then round off the evening at Sweeties, the establishment's groovy nightclub.

The Londoner

Occupying an imposing building on the south side of Leicester Square, the Londoner makes its presence felt with its brilliant blue tiled façade, designed by artist Ian Monroe, reflecting the changing light and sky.

The location couldn't be more convenient, with galleries, restaurants and bars nearby, but thehe luxurious interiors are just as convincing.

There are 350 rooms spread over 16 floors, but its comfortable spaces and thoughtful design details still give it the atmosphere of a charming hotel.

Design hotel in London: the Beaumont

Located in a 1926 Art Deco marvel on a quiet square in the garden of Mayfairthe Beaumont offers an escape from the hustle and bustle ofOxford Street nearby.

New York designer Thierry Despont has slightly refreshed the interiors in 2021, adding Le Magritte Bar for classic cocktails and a terrace for dining.

For a truly unique stay, book Antony Gormley's extraordinary "ROOM" suite. The perfect place to spend some time.

Beaverbrook Townhouse

While the original Beaverbrook is located in Lord Beaverbrook's former home in the Surrey Hills, its city-chic sibling opened on Sloane Street in 2021.

It reflects the press baron's London lifestyle. Nicola Harding designed the interiors, which play with rich jewel tones, opulent fabrics and lacquered wood to create a cocooning effect that's both cosy and glamorous.

If the rooms aren't designer enough, the Fuji Grill Japanese restaurant and Sir Frank cocktail bar will make your departure very difficult.

Design hotel in London: Redchurch Townhouse

Part of the Soho House group, the Redchurch Townhouse is right in the heart of bustling Soho House. Shoreditch.

The rooms are inspired by the design of the 50s to 70s and include :

• Velvet sofas
• Vintage chandeliers
• Brass mirrors

On the first floor, the Cecconi restaurant excels in northern Italian dishes, including lobster spaghetti.

Note the hotel's artwork. The walls are decorated with 40 paintings by East London artists.

Bankside Hotel

Housed in a glass building in Blackfriars and with interiors designed by former Los Angeles-based set designer Dayna Lee, the Bankside Hotel exudes a subtle mid-century modern ambience.

There's a cozy fireplace in the lobby, a library that spills out onto an outdoor terrace and a monochrome tiled bar where local gins are on the menu.

The rooms are comfortable and their design transports you into a chic minimalist world.

When staying in London, I can't recommend staying in a design hotel enough. Here you'll find rest and relaxation after a long day's walking.