Reviews
Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion, Barbican Art Gallery, London
This imaginative exhibition is on a grand scale, but assumes too much contextual knowledge for the casual visitor, says Helen Ritchie
Books: The Social Work of Museums
Myna Trustram is impressed by the book's broad scope and its impassioned portrayal of the issues, but wonders whether it takes things a little too far
Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham
The £9m restoration of Horace Walpole's stunning 18th-century Gothic castle may have taken its time, but the wait has been worthwhile, says Jonathan Conlin
Havering Museum, Romford
This labour of love has emerged as a well-thought-out snapshot of the history of the London borough – with a healthy dose of nostalgia thrown in, writes Maria Blyzinsky
The Yorkshire Museum, York
Boasting several star objects, this £2m revamp is bound to attract lots of visitors, but it's the overall level of detail that will impress, says Peter Lewis
Opening this month
From Vivienne Westwood shoes to paintings of Dorset's movers and shakers in the 18th century, Geraldine Kendall selects the pick of January's exhibitions
Under Attack: London, Coventry and Dresden, London Transport Museum
The exhibition gives visitors an insight into the impact of wartime bombing on transport systems, but Penny Ritchie Calder wanted more personal testimonies
South London Gallery
The South London Gallery may have an international reputation, but it draws much of its strength from local sources, says Nicky Ryan
Wandsworth Museum, London
Jonathan Conlin finds this redisplayed museum uninspiring, and questions whether it would merit a repeat visit
The Mo: Sheringham Museum, Norfolk
Jane Weeks is impressed by a museum about people and boats that has been developed by a group of local enthusiasts