citylikeyou — National Theatre — London by Emilie Chen

London / Theatre

Just above the Dorfman Theatre lobby at the National Theatre, is the entrance to the high-level walkway, a public walkway that overlooks the National Theatre props and scenic workshop. It’s free and is a unique chance to get a glimpse of what happens backstage. I love popping in when I’m on the south bank, as you get a completely different sight each time, depending on which production the workshops are working on at the time.

Website
nationaltheatre.org.uk

Address
National Theatre, undefined Upper Ground, London, United Kingdom

Art Director Graphic Designer

Current city: London

Other cities: Paris

emiliechen.com

Emilie is a London-based graphic designer and art director from Paris. She has worked on branding projects and retail campaigns for Kickers, Speedo and Ted Baker, created campaign images, trailers, posters and programmes for the National Theatre and currently design book covers for Penguin Books. She is also one of the Ladies Wine Design London organisers. The group is part of an international community of creative women started by Jessica Walsh in New York, and runs monthly events including talks, workshops, portfolio review sessions and informal discussions.

More Places in London 471

London / Gallery

The Hayward Gallery in Southbank center has held my favourite exhibitions in London and each time they are extremely well curated. Definitely a place to visit !

London / Department Store

I love this building and always visit if I’m in the area to look at their great window displays, travel up in the beautiful wood paneled lift and wander down the creaky oak staircase. The exterior and interior woodwork is from two old Men-of-War ships, the flooring made from their deck timbers. I normally head straight to the fabric department to see what new seasonal prints they have in, though only buy a metre’s worth so not quite sure what I’ll ever make from them. My most treasured prints are those designed by Grayson Perry of polluted factories, teddy bears, knuckle-dusters and hand grenades. They also sell oversized gift coins produced by the Royal Mint and packaged beautifully in a velvet pouch, which appeal to my love of all things out-sized.

London / Cinema

Close-Up's film programmes present a series of films that shaped the art of cinema and its history. The programmes also include regular special events with filmmakers present to discuss their work. Close-Up is committed to supporting and developing the exhibition of independent and experimental cinema, focusing on the cross over between the arts and film culture.

London / Bar

Sager & Wilde is a small wine bar on Hackney Road, close to many other amazing places on Hackney and Columbia Road. The perfect place for an aperitif or a nightcap.

London / Library

There are libraries full of screaming children and strip lighting, and then there are libraries like The London Library. Whenever I’m there it’s hard to believe I’m not caught inside a wonderful dream, because everything about this place is so perfect as to be almost unreal.