The idea of releasing tension through art dates back to Aristotle’s ideas of catharsis, where he believed that difficult emotions could be purged through exposure to dramatic tragedies, allowing the mind to experience distressing emotions in a safe environment. Today, the practice of art therapy is closely linked with the principles of Freudian psychotherapy, as […]
Lumiere London lights up my world
It’s that time of the year again, when tourists and locals alike can see London in a completely new light, and it’s all thanks to Lumiere. This incredible street exhibition is produced by the Artichoke group and supported by the Arts Council and the Mayor of London. This year, the work of international artists lit […]
150 years of Beatrix Potter…
To celebrate 150 years since Beatrix Potter’s birth, the writer and her famous characters will be appearing on British fifty-pence coins alongside Shakespeare and the latest portrait of the Queen. A classic British writer of predominantly children’s books, Potter left a lasting legacy through both her creative work and her interest in conservation and natural […]
The Big Friendly (literary) Giant
Children were his friends” says Roald Dahl’s widow Liccy, “they were his equals”. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why he was quite so exceptional at writing with kids in mind. The creativity and imagination of Dahl’s books couldn’t have existed without the fantastical mind of someone who had pink milk for breakfast and […]
In defence of the Man Booker Prize
How many titles are you faced with in your average bookshop?! My guess would be in the thousands, although I’m more of a words than a numbers person. Between towering shelves, it can be hard to know where to begin. Do you stick to the section of your favourite genre, rifle through the renowned classics, […]