A Critical Eye

About

In this talk, part of the Fitzrova Chapel's Dwelling exhibition, Art critic Tabish Khan explores what makes good art and is there such a thing? What catches a critic's eye and what do they hang in their home? Is there a right way of looking at art and can anyone appreciate art? An eye into the often impenetrable art world with a talk on how art is for everyone.

About Dwelling

DWELLING: an exhibition of beauty and attachment in Fitzrovia residencies

A Critical Eye is part of the Fitzrovia Chapel’s second free autumn exhibition, Dwelling. The show, which explores the design choices, style and perceptions of beauty in dwellings across Fitzrovia, will include pieces and contributions from television presenter, writer and comedian Griff Rhys Jones, TED speaker and ritual maker Tiu de Haan and art critic Tabish Khan. It will also include art and images from hotels, homes and hidden parts of the area.

Exhibition dates: Wednesday 14 to 28 November 2018, 11:00 to 16:00

Talks:
Thursday 15 Nov, 13:00, ‘Dwelling – Why and how?’, Faye Hughes and Kate Thorogood
Friday 16 November, 13:00, ‘Reclaiming spaces, Kate Thorogood
Sunday 18 November, 13:00, ‘Rituals in our home’, Tiu de Haan (with BSL interpretation)
Tuesday 20 November, 13:00, ‘Critics’ choice at home’, Estelle Lovatt
Thursday 22 November, 13:00, ‘Home is where the art is’, Hannah Watson
Sunday 25 November, 13:00, ‘A critical eye’, Tabish Khan

Dwelling is supported by Derwent London through the Derwent London Community Fund and My Westminster Fund.

The Fitzrovia Chapel Foundation receives support from the Golsoncott Foundation.

About Tabish

Tabish Khan is an art critic specialising in London's art scene, covering contemporary and historical exhibitions. He visits and writes about hundreds of exhibitions a year covering everything from the major blockbusters to the emerging art scene.

Tabish has been visual arts editor for Londonist since 2013. He is also a regular contributor for FAD with a weekly top exhibitions to see in London and a column called 'What's wrong with art'.

Tabish is a trustee of ArtCan, a non-profit arts organisation that supports artists through profile raising activities and exhibitions.

While art is Tabish's primary focus, he has written about film, theatre, food and many other experiences in London.

About The Fitzrovia Chapel

‘The most beautiful room in London you probably didn’t know about’ - The Telegraph

The Fitzrovia Chapel, a historic Grade II* listed secular building, originally part of the former Middlesex Hospital, was, for nearly a century, a place of quiet contemplation for staff, patients and visitors alike.  The hospital no longer exists, but the chapel was beautifully preserved and restored.  It now sits in the centre of the new development of Fitzroy Place.

The Middlesex Hospital was first opened in 1745, although the chapel was designed in 1891 by celebrated Victorian architect John Loughborough Pearson and completed posthumously in 1929 by his son Frank.  

The architecture was inspired by Gothic architecture of north Germany and Italy.  Within an unassuming red brick enclosure, the chapel has a simple rectangular nave with a small narthex at the entrance. JL Pearson was part of a Gothic Revivalist movement, while his son, Frank, took his inspiration from a wider palette of architectural styles.  One of the most striking features of the chapel is the beautiful and ornate mosaic ceiling of the chancel.

The chapel is an exquisite place to get married, celebrate, hold an event, or exhibit. It is open to the public for reflection and quiet contemplation each Wednesday between 11:00 and 16:00. Once a month we offer an audio presentation linked to an influential figure linked to Fitzrovia.