Hi everyone,

We’re currently navigating a lot of decisions and change (more on this soon) so April was a busy month indeed. Amidst all the work deadlines, never-ending admin and phone calls back and forth with all manner of utility providers, we managed to sneak in a long weekend to Troy, a trip to Princes’ Islands and a dinner out :)

I’ll be back on home turf for much of May so I’m getting excited for all the new season fairs and shows that make London (and the UK) such an exciting place to be at this time of year. I’m also looking forward to spending some much needed time with friends and family because it’s been an age since I was last home home. On that note, I’d like to make the most of the May bank holidays so if anyone has any recommendations for bub-friendly boutique hotels I’m all ears….

Below you’ll find my round-up of brilliant art, design and travel things for you radar this month, along with the new season essentials I’m loving and the best rooftops for alfresco dining.

Love Lucy Xx

Photo London

Rolling back into Somerset House this May is the 10th anniversary edition of Photo London (15 — 18 May), the capital’s biggest celebration of vintage and contemporary photography. The fair brings together leading exhibitors from around the world, as well as the most exciting emerging galleries and artists.

Among the highly anticipated newcomers is Istanbul-based Şule Gazioğlu Gallery, which will present evocative works by the photographer and filmmaker Annette Louise Solakoglu. Shown alongside ‘Ode to Istanbul’, a black-and-white photographic series that reflects the layered complexity of the city, will be ‘Botanica’, Solakoglu’s latest body of work exploring the natural world. Running alongside the fair will be a major anniversary exhibition that celebrates London’s vibrant photographic history as well as a public events and talks programme. Book now.

New season essentials

• The prospect of lunching alfresco has me obsessing over this pretty floral tablecloth

• Petit Pillow is my new go to Turkish brand for bold summer totes, and topping my wish list is this pink and white model hand-woven from velvet ikat fabric

• Wedding season is fast approaching — this glamorous Alexandra Miro maxi will turn heads for all the right reasons

• While toe-ring sandals are the shoe of the summer, I’m opting for this classic metalic leather pair by Ancient Greek Sandals

• With warmer days on the horizon, I’m eyeing up some new togs for bub, notably these pretty coral cove shorts and this cute pink floral playsuit

An exhibition worth travelling for

The inaugural exhibition at the Goodwood Art Foundation (opens 31 May 2025), the UK's new not-for-profit destination for contemporary art, is devoted to the Turner Prize-winning artist Rachel Whiteread. Installed across the Foundation’s 70-acre grounds, it brings together a major new work alongside her cast sculptures and a collection of her rarely exhibited photography. Also on display will be a zingy large-scale outdoor installation by Brazilian artist Hélio Oiticica (below) and new work responding to the Foundation’s environment by the New York-based sculptor Veronica Ryan, winner of the 2022 Turner Prize. Put the date in your diary.

Destination inspiration

Turkey is not short of beautiful holiday hotspots. You’ll likely all be familiar with the sparkling waters and sandy beaches of the Turquoise Coast, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Troy and Pergamon. If you’ve visited all these and would like to try somewhere new (and a little less touristy), look no further than the beautiful island of Bozcaada, located about half an hour by ferry from the Geyikli port on the Turkish mainland.

A favourite with Turkish city-dwellers, this charming, largely unspoilt island has just one town, which is chock-full of quaint cafes, rustic guesthouses and cobbled streets lined with Greek-style tavernas, as well as lots of sandy beaches, vineyards and hiking trails. Make for Bozcaada castle before tucking into a seafood lunch in one of the clackety-clack restaurants along the harbour. The sunsets here are spectacular so choose your sundowner spot wisely.

Hop on the train to see…

The major Stephen Cox show at Houghton Hall (4 May — 28 September), a splendid Palladian pile in Norfolk built for Britain’s first prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole, in the 1720s. Dotted around the magnificent house and grounds will be around 20 sculptures in marble and stone, a selection of smaller works as well as a group of works on paper. Among the highlights is Shrine, Cox’s large-scale installation created for the celebrated Encounters exhibition at the National Gallery in 2000.

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Tate’s Birthday Weekender

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Tate Modern is hosting a free weekend of art, music, craft and performance (9 — 12 May). Expect DJ sets, workshops, tours and talks as well as a series of freshly curated displays in the galleries. Also on show will be the first major London exhibition of the work of Do Ho Suh in a generation. Alongside his large-scale installations, sculptures, videos and drawings will be new site-specific works on display for the first time. See you there.

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Celebrate the return of rooftop season

Mark the return of rooftop season in Istanbul with a cocktail at the Bank Hotel Roof Bar and dinner at Apheleia, Soho House’s terrace restaurant serving a Greek-Mykonian inspired menu. In London, make for Rucola at The Conduit, a Brooklyn-founded Italian restaurant located on the rooftop of the Covent Garden private members’ club. For alfresco nightcaps, beeline for Nest at Treehouse in Marylebone, which boasts 360-degree views of the London skyline.

Beyond the Horizon with Ömer Uluç

Spanning five decades of his extraordinary career, this magnificent survey at the Istanbul Modern (until 12 December) explores Ömer Uluç’s investigations into the relationship between humanity, the universe, and existence, while also examining the wide range of influences and cultures behind his multidisciplinary practice. There are more than 360 works on display, from drawings and digital compositions to sculptures made from rubber, felt, aluminium, acrylic sheets, PVC and polyester.

And finally… a luxury patisserie has just opened in the heart of Mayfair. Founded by brothers Can and Cengizhan Ayan — from the family behind famed Turkish chocolatier Pelit — Naya boasts interiors by British designer India Hicks and a delicious menu of sweet treats, ranging from Basque cheesecake to chocolate eclairs and handmade chocolates. Get thee to North Audley Street now!