Events
Chicago chic A NEW EXHIBITION CELEBRATES THE DESIGNS OF CHRISTIAN DIOR, THE KING OF COUTURE IT’S 60 YEARS since Christian Dior revolutionised fashion with his first collection, which he called “a return to the art of pleasing” but journalists dubbed “the New Look”. Launched in 1947, his feminine and glamorous outfits offered a complete contrast [...]
Chicago chic
A NEW EXHIBITION CELEBRATES THE DESIGNS OF CHRISTIAN DIOR, THE KING OF COUTURE
IT’S 60 YEARS since Christian Dior revolutionised fashion with his first collection, which he called “a return to the art of pleasing” but journalists dubbed “the New Look”. Launched in 1947, his feminine and glamorous outfits offered a complete contrast to the austere civilian clothes of World War II.
The Chicago Museum of History (www.chicagohs.org) is celebrating this innovative design with an exhibition, until 20 May, dedicated to Dior’s influence on post-war America. Dior called Chicago “one of the most poetic cities in the world”, and it was also the key to his success on the continent, as large department stores such as Marshall Field & Co embraced him and sold his clothes on a vast scale. Take a sophisticated step back in time.
Riding high
BETS ARE ON and the equestrian professionals are ready to get back in the saddle, as various horse events get under way this month.
The Grand National, on 14 April, at Aintree, Liverpool (www.aintree.co.uk), is one of the most famous steeplechases in the world. The author Dick Francis hung up his breeches (he was a championship jockey) after his heartbreakingly close loss at the 1956 race. His horse, Devon Loch, which belonged to the Queen Mother, slipped just 40 yards from the winning post and lost the race, after looking like a sure winner.
If that isn’t enough excitement, the Irish National in Dublin takes place from 8-10 April (www.hri.ie). And for those who prefer to be indoors, Birmingham NEC is hosting the British Open Show Jumping, 12-15 April (www.britishopenshowjumping.com). The four-day equestrian spectacular includes world-class show jumping and a variety of other top entertainment, including the world-famous Jean François Pignon with his graceful horses.
For those who know and love horses, it will come as no surprise that they are now considered a viable alternative to Guide Dogs. Guide horses for the blind (www.guidehorse.org) are available in the USA and these cute, reliable, miniature horses are ideal for anyone allergic to dogs.
ART THERAPY
Whether you have an eye for beauty or a nose for value, there is nothing like investing in art. April is bursting with events that offer even the most cautious buyer a chance to purchase their own masterpiece. The Glasgow Art Fair, 19-22 April, collects work from over 1,000 renowned artists (www.glasgowartfair.com), while Art Chicago, 27-30 April, is the world’s largest international contemporary arts fair (www.artchicago.com). Meanwhile, the Chelsea Art Fair, London, 19-22 April, (www.penmanfairs.com) offers art-lovers a chance to snap up works from artists such as Pablo Picasso, David Hockney and Andy Warhol.
British biking
THE GRUELLING TOUR De France will set off from London for the first time this July and those who are competing for the coveted yellow jersey will have their sights set on winning the “Le Tour Bretagne” first. The competition is speeding off from the island of Jersey for the first time on 25 April (www.jersey.com).
If you fancy taking to two wheels yourself, why not explore the island on the 96 miles of newly-built town cycle networks or, for the more adventurous, the 40-mile, round-island coastal circuit should wear you out.
Spring into action
TIMING IS EVERYTHING where nature is concerned. As crooner Max Bygraves warbled: “When it’s spring again, I’ll bring again, tulips from Amsterdam.” View the Dutch city’s finest flowers at Keukenhof Festival (www.keukenhof.nl), until 20 May.
For one week only, on 14-20 April, you have the chance to visit the jewel of the Belgian Royal Parks crown, the Laeken Glasshouses, near Brussels (www.belgiumistheplaceto.be).
Kew Gardens, London (www.kew.org), bursts into life with its Spring Festival, until 22 April, when around five million bulbs are planned to flower.
April is the month for…
…Birthdays
GET INTO THE carnival atmosphere in Amsterdam at its famous street party for Queen’s Day in Koninginnedag, 29-30 April (www.holland.com). The party is in honour of the previous monarch’s birthday, Queen Juliana (1909-2004), but when Queen Beatrix succeeded her to the throne, she decided to keep the holiday on 30 April, as her own birthday was 31 January and not a good time to have a traditional outdoor party.
England will be honouring the man who slayed the dragon and rescued a princess, St George. The country’s patron saint will be the excuse for parties and events across the country, on or around 23 April; visit www.celebratestgeorgesday.com for details of events near you. Although St George did not heed the words of King Lear, “come not between the dragon and his wrath”, the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon, just over an hour from Nottingham, will on 28 April. William Shakespeare’s King Lear is being performed in honour of the great writer’s 443rd birthday at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The bard (pictured) was born, lived, worked and died in the town, so every year its inhabitants celebrate their greatest resident with various medieval performances, processions and parties, 26-29 April (www.shakespeare.org).
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO BE… A GARDENER?
WHY?
Forget the rat race and find peace and tranquillity.
WHERE?
There are courses around the country; visit www.bbc.co.uk/gardening for further information. The English Gardening School, London, offers everything from short courses to a one-year diploma.
COSTS?
Prices range from £125 for a one-day practical course to £7,750 for a one-year course in Garden Design.
VERDICT
It is demanding yet rewarding. If you want to set up a business, you’ll be able to watch it grow. If not, you’ll gain the expertise to make your lawn the envy of the neighbourhood.
NUMBER CRUNCHER
10th
KRISTIANSAND CHILDREN’S FILM Festival. Six days packed with children’s films in Kristiansand, on the coastline of southern Norway, 24-29 April (+47 38 10 42 00).
Also in the diary…
DON’T MISS THE Beltane Fire Festival, in Edinburgh, 30 April, an ancient Celtic festival celebrating the arrival of summer (www.beltane.org). Feeling the blues? Then head to Las Vegas to revel in it at the City of Light Jazz Festival, 20-21 April (www.yourjazz.com).
