This June, the architecture of the capital quite literally comes to life in London Lives!, a vibrant and imaginative exhibition by artist Agustin Coll, hosted at the Barbican Library from 4–30 June 2025. Timed to coincide with the London Festival of Architecture, this show is a must-see for anyone fascinated by the city’s built environment and the creative interpretations it can inspire.
The London Society is very pleased to see our built environment brought to life in this way. Agustin Coll, a World Illustration Award-shortlisted artist, brings an unmistakable energy and personality to the city’s architecture, transforming bricks and mortar into characters full of emotion, wit and whimsy.
Known for infusing buildings with a playful, anthropomorphic twist, Coll’s work captures the essence of how architecture interacts with daily life in the capital. His surreal yet meticulous drawings feature everything from scythe-wielding cemeteries and guitar-riffing concert halls to stressed-out office blocks and houses in lockdown – all rendered in delicate, hand-drawn detail.
The Barbican, itself an icon of London’s architectural heritage, provides a fantastic venue within the City for this unique showcase. Coll’s imaginative lens makes this exhibition a perfect fit for a space that has long celebrated bold and expressive design.
London Lives! is more than just an art exhibition, it’s a love letter to the capital’s ever-evolving urban landscape, told through humour, satire and intricate illustration. Don’t miss your chance to see London as you’ve never seen it before.
