• The history and artistry of Hawaii along with its relationship with Britain is the subject of a new exhibition at the British Museum. Hawaii: a kingdom crossing oceans commemorates 200 years since a series of events including the visit of Hawaiian King Liholiho (Kamehameha II) and Queen Kamāmalu to London with a royal delegation to seek alliance and protection from the Crown. Building from the visit of the Hawaiian party to the British Museum, the exhibition features around 150 objects and artworks, many of which have never seen seen before, with highlights including an ‘ahu ‘ula (feathered cloak) which was sent in 1810 by the first king of united Hawai’i, Kamehameha I, to King George III, a nine foot ki’i image of the god Kū, and the Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on loan from The National Archives, which highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawai’i’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between these nations. Opening today, the exhibition can be seen until 25th May in The Joseph Hotung Exhibition Gallery (Room 35). Admission charge applies. For more, see britishmuseum.org/hawaii.
• The former headquarters of the Football Association (FA) has been commemorated with a City of Westminster Green Plaque at 22 Lancaster Gate, an address synonymous with the FA from the early 20th century until the 1990s. In a statement, the City of Westminster said the plaque, which was unveiled late last year, “celebrates the cultural and historical significance of the FA’s presence in the area and its role in English football history”.
• On Now: Turner & Constable. An exhibition at the Tate Britain focuses on two of Britain’s greatest painters, JMW Turner and John Constable, who were also great rivals. The display, which marks 250 years since their births – Turner in 1775 and Constable in 1776, features more than 170 paintings and works on paper as it explores their intertwined lives and legacies. Highlights include Turner’s momentous The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons (1835), not seen in Britain for more than 100 years, and Constable’s The White Horse (1819). Admission charge applies. Runs until 12th April. For more, see www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/turner-and-constable/exhibition-guide.
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