Simple Work Picks

London’s events calendar is full of exhibitions, talks and installations this summer, and we've rounded up a few of the events that have caught our attention this August. From contemporary art and modernist architecture to immersive design exhibitions, these are the experiences we'd recommend if you're looking for inspiration or just an excuse to explore London.

𝗪𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 – 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺

If you haven't visited yet, now's the time. Until 16 August, the Design Museum is hosting Wes Anderson: The Archives, an immersive exhibition offering a rare glimpse into the filmmaker's distinctive creative process. Featuring original props, meticulously crafted sets, sketches and behind-the-scenes material, the exhibition reveals the extraordinary attention to detail that has made Anderson's visual style instantly recognisable.

Tickets available on Design Museum website: https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/wes-anderson-the-archives

𝗠. 𝗖. 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲

Running until 6 September, this major exhibition explores the extraordinary world of M. C. Escher, whose intricate prints continue to challenge our perception of space, geometry and reality. Featuring some of his most celebrated works, the exhibition invites visitors into a fascinating visual landscape of impossible structures, optical illusions and mathematical precision, offering fresh insight into one of the twentieth century's most influential graphic artists.

Tickets available on Somset House website: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/mc-escher-the-exhibition

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗵: 𝟲𝟬+ 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗿 – 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗸𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆

For anyone with an interest in architecture or urban planning, this talk is well worth adding to the diary. Taking place on 27 August, the lecture reflects on Chandigarh more than six decades after Le Corbusier's involvement with the pioneering city. It explores the original vision for one of the world's most significant modernist urban projects, its enduring legacy, and the ongoing challenges of preserving its architectural heritage.

Tickets available on Eventbite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chandigarh-60-years-since-le-corbusier-tickets-1988515575616

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 – 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻

Continuing throughout the summer and into September 2026, The Veggery is a temporary greenhouse pavilion created by Studio Folk Architects and Raskl as part of the London Festival of Architecture. Inspired by the Barbican's iconic architecture, the installation combines gardening, design and community, creating a welcoming space for workshops, growing projects and public event.

However you choose to spend your August, we hope these recommendations inspire your next day out.