London internships give students and young professionals the unique chance to live and work abroad in one of the world’s greatest cities. Megan F. spent three months in London as part an internship for the company Illuminations. She wanted to share her experience with the world and wrote a blog about her top ten experiences as an intern at Illuminations.
Transcribing
Transcribing might sound dull to some, but with this transcribing, I was able to watch every single episode of Art Race (which is Illuminations' yet-to-be-unveiled series for Gallery HD shot in the States this summer). I don’t necessarily have to watch this show again, as I can probably repeat every episode word for word, but I did really enjoy it and am glad I had the opportunity to help out with it.The Office
Probably one of the best reasons to come to work every day is actually the location of Illuminations. It is by far one of the most comforting offices I have ever worked in. The office is surrounded by a cobblestone path that can be tricky when wet but adds to the traditional London charm of the area.
Filming for Last Will
A coworker and I went to film Alex Fleetwood’s “game/artwork/experience” Last Will. I may not have gotten the chance to experience it first hand, but it was an extremely innovate idea that was amazing to witness. I even got to interview two women. I was slightly nervous and stumbled over a few questions, but overall it was a fantastic learning experience.
My week in Cheam
There is nothing like a week in suburban London editing the Art Race. I went along for the week to help out; by the end of the week, the Sainsbury’s workers and I developed a lovely friendship. It was exciting to meet Ben and Kenny, the artists from Art Race, as I had been transcribing their every word and action for many weeks.
Filming at the V&A
I was able to go to the V&A to watch my coworkers film some priceless artifacts. They were shooting a mechanical globe made for Rudolph II and a bronze relief bust of Rudolph. I was even given my own security tag and got access to backrooms. Most of the items we filmed were extremely rare and priceless.
Julian Opie opening
I was able to attend the preview of Julian Opie’s newest exhibit at the Lisson Gallery in Marylebone with two of my colleagues, Cat and Ed. It was pretty exciting, as we were able to spot Julian Opie in the crowd, my first “celebrity” sighting while in London. We only saw about half the exhibit, but it was extremely interesting.
Andy Warhol exhibition
Ed and I traveled to the Southbank Centre to see the Andy Warhol exhibition, Other Voices, Other Rooms. It was such an enjoyable exhibit. I was particularly impressed with how you could watch all of Andy Warhol’s forty-two television programs. I spent most of my time in front of the television watching each and every one of Warhol’s programs.
Going to Cambridge and Brighton
Although this wasn’t technically an “Illuminations” experience, I consider it to be one. I was able to travel to Cambridge with Ed to his family home, as well as to Brighton to Cat’s family home; it was so nice having home-cooked meals and comfortable beds to sleep in. I wanted to travel to both these places, and it made it so much easier having Cat and Ed show me around their hometowns.
Trip to Roche Court
The New Art Centre at Roche Court was one of the best experiences of my entire time in London. Not only was I fortunate enough to see the Clare Woods exhibit, but I was able to see other works by Barbara Hepworth, Antony Gormley, and Anthony Caro, just to name a few. I would never have known about it on my own and getting to spend the day there was something else. If you do get a chance to visit, please go into the room with all of the rain boots. There are literally hundreds of pairs, in every size.
Thank you to all my coworkers
I am not sure what I am going to miss most about interning at Illuminations. Overall, the experience has been wonderful and life-changing. I have enjoyed all of the task, experiences, and memories I have made while in London. I am very sad to leave the Illuminations family, and I want to thank each and every one of my coworkers for making my time in London so enjoyable.
Well, there you have it, this American in London’s top ten experiences at Illuminations! I will miss London but am excited to head back to Joshua Tree, California. Having an internship abroad has given me some of the best experiences of my life and truly experience everything London has to offer.
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