Exhibition

Mushrooms: The Art, Design and Future of Fungi

THE CHARLES RUSSELL SPEECHLYS TERRACE ROOM SERIES

16 Jul - 13 Sep 2020
Sun - Thu 12.00 -18.00
Fri - Sat 10.00 - 20.00

Closed on Mondays

Terrace Rooms
South Wing

Mushrooms is now open. If you would like to visit you will need to book a timed slot in advance online. We are also asking all visitors to consider making a donation to Somerset House. As we welcome you back, our number one priority is the health and wellbeing of our visitors and staff - please read the essential visitor information here.

Bringing together the work of over 40 leading artists, designers and musicians, Mushrooms looks at fungi’s colourful cultural legacy, as well as the promise it offers to reimagine our relationship with the planet.

Highlights in this new exhibition from writer and curator Francesca Gavin include seminal American artist Cy Twombly’s collage portfolio paralleling natural world and human history, watercolours from renowned author Beatrix Potter, composer John Cage’s limited edition Mushroom Book of recipes, observations and illustrations, and inspiring works from emerging contemporary artists.

Plus, explore ground-breaking experiments in design, textiles and architecture that utilise mushrooms in exciting new ways – from upcycled agro-waste to sustainable shoes made with mycelium.

Contributing artists include Takashi MurakamiHaroon Mirza, Hannah Collins, Adham Faramawy, Annie Ratti, Simon Popper, Jae Rhim Lee, Graham Little, Seana Gavin, Perks and Mini, and Mae-ling Lokko

“A fascinating and timely exhibition celebrating one of humanity’s great, unsung alliances"

City AM

Mushrooms: The art, design and future of fungi is the eighth exhibition in The Charles Russell Speechlys Terrace Rooms Series, an ongoing partnership with the leading law firm to present a wide range of free exhibitions reflecting the broad interests of both organisations.

Beauty and Wellness Partner

Origins Logo

Large print exhibition guide

mindful mushroom - Seana Gavin.jpg

Artwork: Mindful Mushroom - Seana Gavin
Mindful Mushroom - Seana Gavin

Exhibition catalogue

Beautifully presented 48-page colour catalogue, featuring an introduction from Somerset House director Jonathan Reekie, an essay from curator Francesca Gavin, and images from Beatrix Potter, Seana Gavin, Cy Twombly and other artworks featured in the exhibition.

The Mushrooms events programme is supported by

Gaia Art Foundation

Drinks Partner

London Essence

Additional support from

Frame London logo