“London offers treasures and inspiration not only in its museums. But to truly experience the city’s dynamic contemporary art scene requires insider knowledge—knowing where to go, when, and why. Each tour is a carefully curated journey full of discovery. Not only will you see incredible art, but you’ll be guided through it with the right balance of context, conversation, and time to reflect. You’ll forge your own impressions while being immersed in meaningful encounters with art. This is what Exceptional Art & Design and I, Jolanda Crettaz Chandler, aim to bring you on every tour.”
“Throughout the year—around once a month (outside of school holidays)—you’ll be invited to explore different corners of London through a thematic lens. In 2025, we’ll move from Mayfair to Shoreditch, Bloomsbury to Hyde Park. Each visit has its own carefully curated vibe and takes place in a friendly, relaxed group. No prior knowledge is needed—just curiosity. My aim is to make everyone feel welcome and inspired. These visits aren’t just educational—they’re witty, thought-provoking, sometimes moving. They’re designed to spark connection and joy—a beautifully enriching way to spend half a day in the city.”
I am delighted to invite you on a bespoke Cambridge day trip, beginning at David Parr House, exploring patterns and gilded surfaces in this Grade II* listed terraced home. With a welcoming coffee on arrival in Cambridge (David Parr House is approximately a 15-minute walk from the station) we start exploring the story of the house and its artist. This exceptionally talented decorative painter worked under F.R. Leach - who himself was closely linked to the influences of William Morris. His career opens a window onto the story of Victorian artisan workshops, where decorative schemes were created for important houses and public buildings across England. Parr who took part in these Arts and Crafts commissions then also transformed his own modest worker’s cottage to reflect on his love of decorative arts. During our visit there, we will also be able to view a contemporary textile exhibition.
From there we will walk through Cambridge to reach the Fitzwilliam Museum. This wonderful museum brings together Old Master paintings, antiquities and modern art in a refined and accessible setting. I will give an introduction to the highlights and then let you visit in greater depth at your own pace, or you can alternatively join me into the current excellent exhibition on Ancient Egypt, with particular emphasis on making and makers. There we will encounter exquisite objects - from lapis lazuli carvings to beautifully incised hieroglyphic stelae.
Our final visit will be to Kettle’s Yard, the former home and art salon of collectors Jim and Helen Ede. This unique environment combining twentieth-century art with furniture, textiles, ceramics and natural objects feels like a treasure trove, particularly when we start gaining insight into the stories of the works and learn about the Edes’ close relationships with the artists represented.
See attached details for all details about the programme.
Contact: cjolanda@icloud.com for full programme
ART TRIP TO PARIS
November 2025
ART TRIP TO VENICE
June 2024
Contact: cjolanda@icloud.com and/or click below for full programme
Want to experience London’s contemporary art scene with a warm, knowledgeable guide by your side?
To join the mailing list, email info@exceptionalart.co.uk with a short message like: Please keep me updated with art tours.”
Details for a one-off tour:
2026 Art Tour Dates:
Spring season:
1) Thursday 29 January
2) Friday 27 February
3) Wednesday 18 March (Cambridge day trip: supplement of £80)
Summer season:
4) Thursday 23 and/or* Friday 24 April
5) Friday 8 May and Friday 22 May: (both dates are offered)
6) Friday 12 June
Autumn season:
7) Thursday 17 and/or* Friday 19 September
8) Thursday 15 and/or* Friday 16 October
9) Thursday 12 and/or* Friday 13 November
*On tours with two dates (and/or*), the focus is on the Friday, but if there are too many participants, I may be able to organise a second tour, most likely on the Thursday)
Tours are:
More information about the tours:
• When: Typically events are kicked-off on Fridays, starting at 11:00 am and finishing around 12:45 pm. But as demand comes in, other dates are suggested, and additional tours are offered generally on Thrusdays, Fridays and/or Saturdays.
• Where: Meeting points will be shared well in advance for each event.
• After the Tour: Whenever possible, I aim to arrange optional group lunches or coffee breaks nearby (subject to venue availability).
Please contact me at info@exceptionalart.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Groups tend to be 10-12 participants. Very rarely it is more (max 20)
I tend to do an introduction, then we tour highlights for 45 minutes or so. Then there is the opportunity to ask questions and visit further. Sometimes guest curators and/or artist(s) may be present.
My curations provide breadth and depth on themes carefully prepared beforehand. This means you save time and see the most important things. I also will take you to places you won't have explored for yourself and my clients tell me I make the art world accessible and free of intimidation.
"Jolanda's expertise and enthusiasm make contemporary art approachable and engaging for everyone in a relaxed and personal atmosphere."
"You are the best-kept secret in London!"
“Jolanda has a great knowledge and loves sharing it. She unlocks the secrets of modern and contemporary art.”
Membership includes a minimum of 8 events. In 2024, I added additional events, so members had 12 in the end! Every year is different, and if I have to cancel a date, or you can't make a rescheduled date, I will reimburse you pro rata.