Carolina Mazzolari's London Picks

08 Jun 2022

Carolina Mazzolari creates contemporary tapestries that are metaphorical depictions of inner landscapes. Born in Milan but living in London since 2014, Mazzolari studied at Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano and at London’s Chelsea College of Art, where she specialized in textiles, dyeing techniques and screen printing.

During her time working as head of textiles at a small luxury firm, she worked with industrial machines and a large team of craftswomen. Her work in textile, painting, photography, video and performance is still informed by this experience. Mazzolari concentrates on making one-off large-scale hand-embroidered tapestries, titled Emotional Fields, that aim to merge a slow ancient craft such as hand stitching, into a contemporary art context. The tactile work is always presented with an introductory film.

Mazzolari is represented by Tristan Hoare Gallery in London. Recently, the artist’s work in video and tapestry has been acquired by the Mona Museum in Hobart, Tasmania.

For The Cultivist, Mazzolari shares the myriad places she would recommend in her adoptive city.

Carolina Mazzolari creates one-off large-scale hand-embroidered tapestries.
Carolina Mazzolari creates one-off large-scale hand-embroidered tapestries.
I'd start with a tour of London on the canals. The recently constructed area in King’s Cross, at the top of King's Boulevard on the banks of Regent's Canal, is a favourite: I love its redesigned canals, street food and shops.
I'd start with a tour of London on the canals. The recently constructed area in King’s Cross, at the top of King's Boulevard on the banks of Regent's Canal, is a favourite: I love its redesigned canals, street food and shops.
Make sure to visit the Wellcome collection and go to see at least the permanent collection and the library.
Make sure to visit the Wellcome collection and go to see at least the permanent collection and the library.
From there, a few of my favourite independent private galleries are within walking distance. My gallery, Tristan Hoare is in Fitzroy square and hosts a diverse menu of exhibitions. Other highlights include TJBoulting gallery, Josh Lilley, Paterson Zevi, Paradise Row and Fold Gallery.
From there, a few of my favourite independent private galleries are within walking distance. My gallery, Tristan Hoare is in Fitzroy square and hosts a diverse menu of exhibitions. Other highlights include TJBoulting gallery, Josh Lilley, Paterson Zevi, Paradise Row and Fold Gallery.
On day 2, I’d take you to Victoria Miro on Wharf Road and White Cube – my favourite blue chip private galleries. Stop by the Fashion and Textile Museum next door on Bermondsey St. and the Bermondsey Antique Market. Choose from any of the charming pubs or bars to rest your legs afterwards!
On day 2, I’d take you to Victoria Miro on Wharf Road and White Cube – my favourite blue chip private galleries. Stop by the Fashion and Textile Museum next door on Bermondsey St. and the Bermondsey Antique Market. Choose from any of the charming pubs or bars to rest your legs afterwards!
There are three huge public sculptures in London that I love for different reasons. No. 1 and 2 are sentimental – they are my husband Conrad Shawcross’: Three perpetual chords (2015) and Paradigm (2016), in front of the Crick Institute near the Eurostar exit at Kings Cross station. The third sculpture is the epic Slice of Reality (2015) by Richard Wilson on the Greenwich Peninsula.
There are three huge public sculptures in London that I love for different reasons. No. 1 and 2 are sentimental – they are my husband Conrad Shawcross’: Three perpetual chords (2015) and Paradigm (2016), in front of the Crick Institute near the Eurostar exit at Kings Cross station. The third sculpture is the epic Slice of Reality (2015) by Richard Wilson on the Greenwich Peninsula.
In Central London, these are my classics on the food front: the restaurant at The Wolseley, located in a vintage 1920’s car showroom on Piccadilly. Spend the heart of a British day here – for a nice breakfast and eventually oysters – before hitting the Royal Academy of Arts summer show. The summer show opens in June, and my work will be included this year!
In Central London, these are my classics on the food front: the restaurant at The Wolseley, located in a vintage 1920’s car showroom on Piccadilly. Spend the heart of a British day here – for a nice breakfast and eventually oysters – before hitting the Royal Academy of Arts summer show. The summer show opens in June, and my work will be included this year!
Café Bohème in Soho is the spot for a drink and live music before hitting the night in Soho… even on your own – it’s perfect.
Café Bohème in Soho is the spot for a drink and live music before hitting the night in Soho… even on your own – it’s perfect.
I recently discovered an offbeat place worth going to. Music starts at 10 pm and cocktails are amazingly crafted - not too busy at all and great interiors: Hovarda. It serves Greek-inspired bites and cocktails. Huge, perfect for groups.
I recently discovered an offbeat place worth going to. Music starts at 10 pm and cocktails are amazingly crafted - not too busy at all and great interiors: Hovarda. It serves Greek-inspired bites and cocktails. Huge, perfect for groups.
The Almeida theatre in North London, off Upper Street, stages the best theatre, and Castle Cinema, interestingly located above a Spar, is the most beautiful cinema space in East London.
The Almeida theatre in North London, off Upper Street, stages the best theatre, and Castle Cinema, interestingly located above a Spar, is the most beautiful cinema space in East London.
For later in the evening in Soho, stop by Gaz’s Rockin' Blues at St.Moritz Club for some vintage style grooves. Gaz is still here himself !
For later in the evening in Soho, stop by Gaz’s Rockin' Blues at St.Moritz Club for some vintage style grooves. Gaz is still here himself !

– Words by Siska Lyssens