This exhibition on at Tate Britain, London, showcases objects drawn from collections across Britain which have been considered as ‘folk art’ of one kind or another. It is the first major historical exhibition of British folk art at a national art museum and takes in an array of genres and media from the 17th to the mid-20th century, when folk art became more commodified. These include monumental ships' figureheads, elaborate embroideries and quilts, giant trade and shop signs (my favourite part of the exhibition), paintings and collages. Some were made by professional craftsmen, some by amateurs, most are anonymous. A number were created in the context of commercial, working or military life, others were designed for the home. All sit outside or at the margins of what is generally considered to be fine art. But there is a long history of such objects also being of artistic interest, whether as the expression of a collective identity or a highly individual creative imaginations.

As a country girl from Wales, I realise that I have some wonderful examples from my Great Grandparents of patchwork and woodcarving, which were practical items as well as highly decorative items.

Henri Matisse – Paper Cut-Outs at Tate Modern
Matisse was one of the most innovative painters of the C20th, but for the last seventeen years of his life due to health problems turned to an entirely new approach of making work, cutting shapes from painted paper and then layering these pieces to create shapes which were attached to a larger plain canvas.

In the exhibition we see cut-out shapes of birds, fish, coral, leaves, plants etc and also his work with stained glass. The 'Blue Nudes' series which is perhaps one of his most memorable works and a most striking example of what Matisse himself called 'cutting directly into colour', the paper's flatness co-exists with a sense of figures intertwined limbs. Paper cutting is a way of drawing and sculpting at the same time.

The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 – 2014 at V&A
A wonderful exhibition of Italian fashion from the end of the Second World War to the present day, and explores through key fashion designers and organizations that have contributed to Italy's reputation for quality and style, and showcases the exceptional range of techniques, materials and expertise from which 'Made in Italy' brand has become renowned.

Designers and labels featured include 1950's and '60's Hollywood stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, Prada, Versace, Gucci, Armani, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Pucci etc.

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier – From Sidewalk to the Catwalk at The Barbican
Over the past for decades, Jan Paul Gaultier has shaped the look of contemporary fashion, with his witty and boundary-pushing designs and his ceaseless interest in society and identity. Keenly interested in all of the world's traditions and cultures, Gaultier has conceived a new kind of fashion in both the way it is made and worn.

Designed as an installation rather than a conventional fashion retrospective, this theatrically staged exhibition presents over 180 cutting-edge couture and ready-to-wear garments created between the early 1970's and now, many of which are being shown in Britain for the first time.

How do spaces shape our lives?
How do they make us feel?

Experiencing architecture involves moving within and around it, absorbing its qualities through our bodies and senses. We react, consciously or not, to the characteristics of different materials, vistas, volumes, sounds, spatial relationships and proportions. As well as engaging physically with space, our experience of it also informed by our memories and habits.

Human responses to architecture range from awe to feelings of comfort, safety, pleasure, excitement or unease. We frequently shape the spaces around us - from making dens as children to placing furniture in a living room. Ultimately, architecture connects us to time, place, and people.

This exhibition invites you to explore built space directly. The installations all highlight different aspects of architecture – from manipulation of light, mass and structure to the transformations brought about by use, movement and interaction.

There are seven architectural practices from six countries and continents in this incredible show

Mens street fashion

Maison & Object the brilliant home-fashion show is adulated for its complete offer – interior decoration, furniture, accessories, fabrics, home fragrances, table ware etc. and presents a cutting-edge platform that is in line with the development of the market. Totally inspiring (the stand displays are really great) and innovative, showcasing manufacturers latest offerings, emerging trends, the latest materials and technology in the industry. With over 3249 exhibitors from Europe and worldwide, it offers a very comprehensive view of today's and tomorrow's interiors.

This December for the very first time, Kew Gardens opens after hours with an illuminated trail, drenched in colour through its enchanting world famous botanic gardens, casting light into hidden places off the beaten track, under tree-top canopies and onto dancing lakeside ripples. From the delicate and twinkling to the grand and spectacular, Kew’s much loved landscape is brought to life as you have never seen it before.

On the route through the heart of the gardens you encounter light, sound, performance and interactive installations that are truly magical and delightful. Go if you get the chance!