In the heart of London’s East End, and just steps away from Brick Lane and the Whitechapel Gallery, London-lovers can happen upon Hyatt Place London City East, an elegant microcosm of East London’s dandy culture, sublime hospitality, design and refreshing London-grown artists of today, yesterday and tomorrow.
Until Thursday 1st September, PocketSquare – the skyline bar at Hyatt Place London City East – is hosting an incredible photographic exhibition by one of the most recognisable fashion, beauty and portraiture photographers of his time, David Stetson. As part of this exhibition, PocketSquare will also host a free, one-off ticketed ‘Meet the Artist’ event on 15th August at 7pm that will see David Stetson in conversation with Proud Galleries Director Javier Robledo. Guests at the intimate event will receive a special, complimentary, commemorative ‘Black and White’ cocktail on arrival and learn more about David’s acclaimed photography.
The exhibition is part of the Curated at Hyatt Place initiative – a revolving exhibition series that takes place across Hyatt Place London City East Hotel in Whitechapel. The idea is part of a series of initiatives from the hotel’s General Manager which seeks to create new artwork and champion artists in their work with commissions and funding.
Curated at Hyatt Place
An exhibition series and arts bursary created by Michael Mason-Shaw, the hotel’s General Manager in March 2022. The initiative seeks to create new artwork, and champion new and existing artists in their work with commissions and funding. All the artwork is available to purchase with 25% of all sales going into the art bursary, that will be used to support and fund work from new London artists.
Nick Danziger was the first ‘Curated at Hyatt Place’ artist in residence; his is a passion for telling stories of people and their lives, Nick’s unique exhibition showcased fourteen pieces spanning his 30 year career which saw him granted the Royal Geographical Society’s Ness Award in recognition of raising public understanding of contemporary social, political and environmental issues through documentary films and photography.
David Stetson’s Black & White exhibition at PocketSquare includes works from throughout David’s career. Born in the east end of London, his career in photography began in the 1960’s, by the 1970’s he was as an established fashion photographer, he later opened his own studio in New York. David went on to become one of the most recognisable fashion, beauty and portraiture photographers of his time.
Over the years David Stetson has received creative awards in photography and design and his photography has been exhibited at major galleries in London, New York, Tokyo, Singapore & Cologne. He also has two pieces hanging permanently in the Malcolm Forbes Private Art Collection. Each of the photographs within the collection have been created as a limited edition of 25 each image.
Gallery Vibes at Hyatt Place London City East
Hyatt Place London City East dares to bring London art inside, and in doing so it brings vitality and a true sense of place for its guests. In addition to ‘Curated at Hyatt Place’, other established, and up-and-coming London-based artists commissioned to create bespoke pieces include:
- Two abstract-style murals by The Concord Art Prize finalist Brixton-based abstract artist Olly Fathers.
- Lothar Götz, a contemporary abstract artist created an epic, vibrant 30 x 3 metres geometric-design mural
- A striking spray-painted mural called London Underground London by street artist Jay Kaes
- And a unique City meets the East’ striking ‘visual conversation’ between the City and East London also by Jay Kaes
- University of the Arts London textile design graduate Ellen Russell was commissioned to transform PocketSquare terrace for summer
Says Michael Mason Shaw, General Manager at Hyatt Place London City East, “We are surrounded by incredible art in this area and hundreds of talented artists who are wanting to showcase and make their mark – we want to help” says General Manager, Michael Mason-Shaw. “Through the ‘Curated at Hyatt Place’ initiative we want to encourage the art loving public to engage and support art in the capital.”
PocketSquare Skyline Bar & Terrace
On the ninth floor is PocketSquare Skyline Bar & Terrace, one of London’s best rooftop bars, with jaw dropping open-air views across London City’s skyline. This gin-led bar is best described as ‘where the City meets the East,’- with its inventive cocktails – Bar Manager Kristian Smith (who has a medical background) and his team have designed, created and tailored each recipe at PocketSquare’s own cocktail laboratory, where extensive experimenting has led to intriguing and new flavour profiles not found anywhere else in London.
Visitors to the exhibition can stay for some skyline cocktails choosing from PocketSquare’s expert art and creativity inspired cocktail list – ‘The PocketSquare Collection’. Drinks include charity cocktail In2Art; a homage to local visual art and design charity Intoart, each drink is served with a piece of rice paper showcasing new artwork from the charity’s artists and £1 from every sale will be donated to the charity.
Zoom East
Legit Sicilian-inspired dishes by bello Vittorio Meli of Catania are served in the alluring Zoom East restaurant, and the orangery, on the lower ground floor. Meli’s family have owned and run restaurants for more than three generations within his home city; his passion for food, cooking, and the traditions of Sicilian cuisine began as a young boy in the kitchens of his Great Uncle’s and his own father’s restaurants, learning the carefully handed down recipes of the family.
Using some of the best produce from Sicily and the local East London and British suppliers, Zoom East creates colourful, heart-warming menus that are authentically Sicilian, honestly local, and caringly shared.
So Stay
Wake here in the east, where the sun rises bringing with it the energy of a powerful new day. The best mornings begin with picture-postcard rising views of the world-famous City skyline in any one of the hotel’s thirteen upper floor rooms, with private outdoor terraces or balconies. Bringing stylish interiors, expertly curated art and stunning City views to the cosmopolitan heart of East London,
Offering effortless access to the City of London, and the iconic, vibrant streets of neighbouring Spitalfields and Shoreditch, more than 100 of the hotel’s 280 rooms have exceptional views across the capital, The Gherkin and Canary Wharf.
All rooms feature dedicated workspaces, smart TVs, free Wi-Fi and contemporary furniture. Choose cleverly designed twin, doubles or king rooms; sofa beds offer additional occupancy, and corner rooms can be configured to share a private entrance for additional privacy and space. Guests also benefit from a beautifully-equipped, 24-hour fitness centre.
Enjoy East London’s cultural and artistic heritage at Hyatt Place London City East, it’s where culture lives, and grows. From only £145.00 per room per night.
_________________________________
The ‘Black & White’ exhibition is proudly on public display until 1st September and is free for all.
The special one off ‘Meet the Artist’ talk will take place on 15th August at 7pm. To RSVP for this free event please contact the PocketSquare sales team on info@pocketsquare.london or book directly via eventbrite. All guests will receive a special commemorative ‘Black and White’ cocktail on arrival. Tickets are limited, so book quickly to avoid disappointment.
Private group viewings of the exhibition are available upon request and will include a personalised walk through of the Exhibition with David. (Subject to availability).
Find the exhibition at PocketSquare, 9th Floor, Hyatt Place London City East
45 Whitechapel Road, E1 1DU.