The sad, shameful demise of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry
The appeal to save Britain’s oldest place of manufacture has been rejected and the foundry will become a boutique hotel. How could Historic England have let this happen?
The culture minister should take an interest in museums – but he can’t tell them how to interpret the past
It’s no bad thing for the government to sit down with museum directors, says Charles Saumarez Smith, but imposing its own version of history is another matter
We’re on the brink of Brexit – so isn’t it time the UK formed stronger cultural ties around the globe?
France, China, and other countries are leading the way on cultural diplomacy. When will the UK catch up?
Oil slick – the smooth dealings of Calouste Gulbenkian
Where both petroleum and art were concerned, the 20th-century tycoon positioned himself for rich pickings
The making of the new Royal Academy – an insider’s view
The RA’s Secretary and Chief Executive traces the history of the institution’s redevelopment
Letter from São Paulo
Charles Saumarez Smith reflects on the art market in Brazil as the 14th edition of SP-Arte takes place
What will become of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry?
Britain’s oldest manufacturing company, whose origins date back to 1420, is to close this May. What will happen to its historic home?
12 Days: Highlights of 2016
Charles Saumarez Smith looks forward to the new Tate Modern and Design Museum buildings, the V&A’s rethink of Botticelli and Pallant House’s British art displays
An Unexpected Discovery at the Royal Academy
The long lost Charter of the Society of Artists has been found in a box of ‘Artists’ Memorabilia’
12 Days: Highlights of 2015
An exceptional selection of exhibitions are opening in London this year, and some major museum openings are taking place further afield
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It’s time for the Whitechapel Bell Foundry to get back to business
Plans to transform London’s oldest working factory into a hotel have, happily, fallen through – but with the site back up for sale, its future is still uncertain