From self-love and romance to our love of friends, family, work and hobbies, we’ll be exploring all angles of this infinitely fascinating theme with interviews, events and a series of specially commissioned artworks.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

In a series of original artworks commissioned especially for The Royal Exchange, illustrator Justyna Stasik explores the myriad forms of love in her distinctive, playful style. Stasik’s work expresses the emotion and energy of human activities and interactions, featuring bright colours, exaggerated proportions, relatable characters and familiar icons. Abstract shapes and squiggles add an element of the surreal in scenes that cleverly convey the duel reality of the physical and the imaginative worlds we all inhabit.

Visit The Royal Exchange to see Stasik’s The Closer We Get brightening up our main entrance until the end of March, and keep an eye on our journal and social channels to see the rest of the series as we unveil each piece throughout February and March.

Read our interview with Justyna Stasik here.

LONDONER’S ON LOVE

Over afternoon tea at The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant, we asked love expert, and author of the book Love Factually, Laura Mucha to share her secrets on cultivating healthy relationships in all areas of life. Read what she had to say here.

We also went out onto the streets surrounding The Royal Exchange to ask the people of the City to share their thoughts on the topic of love. We’ll be posting their stories on our journal and social channels over the course of the coming weeks to give you an insight into what love means to Londoners today.

DISCOVER LOVE AT THE ROYAL EXCHANGE

Join the conversation about #WhatLoveIs by sharing your thoughts with us on Instagram @theroyalexchange and Twitter @rexshopper; and keep an eye on our what’s on page for details of all upcoming events at The Royal Exchange