Project introduces young people to portraiturePortraits have always had a way of capturing our imagination, whether it’s the Mona Lisa’s smile or Andy Warhol’s iconic prints of Marilyn Monroe.

Contemporary artist Lady Lucy expands on this tradition with her new exhibition.Using the genre of portraiture as a vehicle for communication and interaction, she set up a portrait studio and instructed a group of young people between the ages of 16 and 19 to paint the gallery’s own staff. The portrait subjects were invited to sit and reveal aspects of themselves and the institution.

“It was about looking behind the scenes of the gallery, and I thought portraiture would be a good way of doing that,” explains Lady Lucy.

“The magic happened in the studio, and there were some great moments between people. It wasn’t just about

making portraits of the staff, but also about interviewing them and finding out about what happens in the gallery, and the different roles they play.” Describing her artistic ethos she said: “I work with people, and I’m interested in social practice and how that feeds into art.”

The resulting exhibition is a revealing glimpse into the heart and soul of the Whitechapel Gallery.

Free. Until May 22. Whitechapel Gallery, Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX. 020 7522 7888

New exhibition at the Whitechapel puts staff on show

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New markets and pop-up shops help nurture talent

If you like the sound of bourbon biscuit pendants and pretty prints, make sure you don’t miss out on the new monthly craft markets organised by the popular bric-a-brac shop Of Cabbages and Kings.

“It’s a great way to meet new talent from the area,” says Jessica Widdows from Of Cabbages and Kings. Yellow Bird Hats will be displaying their range of 1940s inspired hats in May, and Mary

Kilvert’s beautiful fairytale children’s illustrations will be among the artwork available. While away a weekend with tea and cakes, games and craft workshops.

If you’re in search of bespoke jewellery, Columbia Road Market will host Metric from June. The pop-up shop will showcase jewellery designers Shimell & Madden and Myia Bonner, alongside illustrations by Jake Ambridge.

Metric’s organisers want to encourage a renewed interest in craft-based art. They will also run jewellery-making workshops at three London schools,

leading to a competition. Children will enter their design and the winning idea will be created in silver.

Of Cabbages and Kings:11am-5pm, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May. Abney Hall, 73a Church Street, N16 0AS. 0207 2540 060. ofcabbages.co.uk

Metric:June 5 - August 28. 94 Columbia Road, E2 7QB. 07548 887 832. shimellandmadden.co.uk

Stylish accessories handmade in Hackney

Portraits of Whitechapel Gallery staff

Left to right: Jake Ambridge stationery, Myia Bonner jewellery, Popcorny stationery

ABOUT TOWN

Marina Celeste to debut new album at CargoThe former voice of Nouvelle Vague, Marina will perform songs from her new album “The Angel Pop” on April 15th.

The performance will feature songs from throughout her career with Nouvelle Vague as well as new material.

Speaking to EastBound, Marina said: “It is always a dream to play in England because it is the country of pop music. Each time I perform in London there is a crazy atmosphere which I love”.

8pm-11pm, April 15. £12. Cargo, 83 Rivington Street, EC2A 3AY. Tickets: ticketwerk.co.uk

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ABOUT TOWN

Gearing up for a vintage night in the fast lane

Switched on: Future Human at The Book ClubMonthly ideas salons in the East End

Future Human’s “Theatre of Innovation” has dissected cultural trends such as amateur film-making and instrument technology.

With April’s “New Medievalism” event, the ideas collective are getting political, discussing everything from drugs barons running Rio’s favelas to

Nigerians working in New York. The triggers of the rise of micro-nations will be analysed by guest speakers including author John Rapley and journalist Peter Day– from technology and the internet to the deregulation of trade.

Each event is marketed to particular sectors, says Future Human director Jack Roberts. So there’s plenty of opportunities for swapping not just ideas but business cards. Roberts plans

to stick to The Book Club’s intimate basement setting for the moment: “Due to health and safety, we can’t sell more than 150 tickets. Even though we always sell out very fast, we’re happy where we are,” he said.

April will also see the launch of Future Human’s new iPad application.

April 13. £8. The Book Club, Leonard St, EC2A 4RH. futurehuman.co.uk

A chance to drive a classic car through London

Next month the Classic Car Club hosts its popular Night Drive.

Drivers set off from Old Street at 7.30pm on April 13, winding through the capital’s streets until 2am.

“We like to keep the route a little bit secret,” says Simon Clarke, who helps organise the event, “but it’s a brilliant drive. Bit of East London, bit of West

London and out-of-town parts too.” Drivers can set off in one of five

motors from the Club’s varied selection - from the rare BMW Z3M Roadster to the 1971 Fiat 500.

The route is dotted with ten checkpoints allowing participants to test-drive each car. The drive is open to those over 25 with less than six points on their driving licences.

7.30pm. April 13. £295 or £495 for two. 020 7490 9090. classiccarclub.com

A celestial voice

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Marina Celeste

The Classic Car Club has a fleet of vintage cars