the first electric washing machine was introduced in 1908 by the American Alva J Fisher.

Household burglar alarm made by Burgot Alarms Ltd, England

The Secret Life of the Home

Automatic tea-making machine by Frank Clarke

The Secret Life of the Home

The Secret Life of the Home gallery is about close looking at the development of those household gadgets and appliances that we use every day but often take for granted.

Most of the objects on show date from the late 19th and 20th century but you’ll also find ancient Roman keys, 18th century cooking utensils and a 21st century robotic vacuum cleaner. In fact, you’ll be able to discover how applied robotics is one of the key ways in which the gadgets and appliances in your home will develop in the future.

Is show styles, materials, technology and changes in society have influenced the design and use of gadgets and appliances over time. There are loads of interactive exhibits in this gallery, so you’ll be able to discover how some of these appliances – including CD players and washing machines – really work.

Modern Masters: Matisse, Picasso, Dali and Warhol

Modern Masters: Matisse, Picasso, Dali and Warhol

Contained within this exhibition are prints by four of the greatest 20th-century Masters of art. Featured is over 50 works by modern thinkers Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol, all of whom have engaged with the printing medium in different ways. Matisse was known for his use of bright colours and fluid shapes. He used linocut as a printing method which allowed him to achieve clear shapes and sharp lines. Picasso was something of a fanatic when it came to experimenting with various printing techniques and his exhibitions often featured drypoint etching, aquatint, lithograph, linocut, steel facing and engraving. This allowed him to work in high detail and create atmospheric works. Many of Dali's prints were created during the early years of his career and for that reason they are not well known. People visiting the show are far more likely to be familiar with Warhol's screenprints, lithographs and silk screens that allowed him to create the bold monochromatic images for which he is famous.

Pop Life: Art in A Material World (Tate Modern)

Pop Life: Art in A Material World (Tate Modern)

I went to see this exhibition in tate modern. The exhibition presented various artists of the last twenty years or so who have created themselves as ‘brands’. The exhibition started with some celebrity screenprints of Andy Warhol, along with television clips, magazine covers and newspapers of Brand Warhol. Other artists who featured were Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin Gavin Turk, Keith Haring, Murakami and Jeff Koons.

In this exhibition, Jeff Koons presents hardcore pornography as ‘art’, and even more bizarrely it features himself and his porn-star wife.

Jeff Koons’ sculpture of an inflatable rabbit.

Tate Britain

I visited the Tate Britain in April 2010 and enjoyed all the free art displays. I paid to enter the Henry Moore exhibition (about £15), which was rather expensive, but I felt worth the cost because of the large quantity of originals on display. I did sneak a few photographs (without disturbing other people), but the staff will tell you off if they catch you using a camera.

I had not realised that Henry Moore had been so productive and that his work covered such a wide ranging period. The exhibition included his drawings, wood carvings, ceramics and metal castings.

Museum of London

I liked this museum very much. it gives you a useful overall idea of the history of this great city, starting from the primitive ages (beautiful reproductions of prehistoric houses!) on through the milestone epochs of London. I especially enjoyed the Great Fire section - which also offers many interactive features - and the Roman Age section. It also looks out onto the London Wall, which is worth seing, being one of the few Roman remains in London. Set in the City, it is very close to St. Paul's Cathedral.