Author Archives: Charlotte Higgins
Dan Jarvis: a very unlikely arts minister
He has served with the Special Forces in Afghanistan. But is Dan Jarvis facing his toughest challenge yet – as shadow arts minister?Britain has had some unlikely arts (and shadow arts) ministers over the years. But none so far-fetched, perhaps, as Da… Continue reading
Jeremy Deller, Turner prizewinner, to have Hayward Gallery retrospective
The artist who staged an exhibition in his parents’ house will be showing works old and new – plus some failed projectsWhen Jeremy Deller sprang on to the national stage as the winner of the 2004 Turner prize – a dandyish figure clad in scarlet jac… Continue reading
Martin Boyce wins Turner prize 2011
Martin Boyce receives £25,000 award, confirming Glasgow’s indelible importance to Britain’s art world Having sculpted a quietly atmospheric, lyrically autumnal installation as his entry for the 2011 Turner prize, Martin Boyce was on Monday presented w… Continue reading
How Gaddafi toppled a Roman emperor
Muammar Gaddafi saw the emperor and fellow Libyan Septimius Severus as a rival – so he booted the Roman’s statue out of Martyrs’ SquareLucius Septimius Severus: no, he didn’t kill Dumbledore. Septimius Severus was Roman emperor from AD 193-211. (And … Continue reading
How Gaddafi toppled a Roman emperor
Muammar Gaddafi saw the emperor and fellow Libyan Septimius Severus as a rival – so he booted the Roman’s statue out of Martyrs’ SquareLucius Septimius Severus: no, he didn’t kill Dumbledore. Septimius Severus was Roman emperor from AD 193-211. (And … Continue reading
For the love of Damien Hirst: Tate Modern hosts first UK retrospective
Diamond-studded skull to take Turbine Hall pride of place as economic crisis puts Hirst’s career in new lightDamien Hirst’s famous – indeed notorious – platinum and diamond skull will go on show in Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall next year, in the first… Continue reading
Revealed: Grand Tour loot of the Presa Inglesa
Cargo bought by British gentlemen in 18th century, then captured by French, sheds light on Georgian travellers’ tastesA British merchant ship called the Westmorland, en route from the Italian port of Leghorn to England, was on 7 January 1779 engaged of… Continue reading
Inside the gaming circle, firmly outside the loop at Insomnia44
Charlotte Higgins checks out the UK’s biggest event for gamers and finds herself dead within seconds playing Counter StrikeYou can tell a lot from rules and regulations. At Insomnia44 (“the UK’s largest gaming festival”) you are not allowed to bring yo… Continue reading
Free museum entry is a treasure too precious to lose | Charlotte Higgins
Free entry to national museums seems embedded in cultural life after 10 years. But it needs securing against coalition cutsTen years ago on Thursday, the last of Britain’s national museums finally scrapped entrance charges. The abolition of paid entran… Continue reading »