A London Wander

I recently had the chance to tag along on a work trip to London with my husband. While he was in meetings, I spent my days exploring the city—often veering away from the usual tourist trails in search of quieter corners and creative inspiration.

One of my first stops was L. Cornelissen & Son, a beautifully old-world art supply shop that feels like a treasure chest for painters. The shelves were lined with raw pigments, fine oils, exquisite watercolors, and an array of brushes that would thrill any artist. The store itself, steeped in history and charm, felt like a living museum of creative possibility.

From there, I wandered toward the University of London, passing the imposing facade of the British Museum along the way. Later, I hopped into a cab and made my way to Columbia Road, where I spent a relaxed afternoon window shopping and exploring the vibrant energy of Shoreditch. The gardens at Shoreditch Church were a highlight—bursting with grape hyacinths and full of Londoners soaking up the sun.

A visit to the Royal Academy of Arts offered a different kind of inspiration. I caught an exhibit on Brazilian Modernism—bold, colorful, and thoughtfully curated. The afternoon ended perfectly with a stop at a nearby flower shop overflowing with spectacular roses, and later, a cozy meet-up with my husband at The Iron Duke, a classic Mayfair pub.

Other highlights included a stroll through Notting Hill and its market, a stop at Harrods, and of course, time spent browsing the beautiful textiles at Liberty London. I restrained myself from buying fabric this time—but I’m already dreaming up a project for the next visit.