Costume
The Lady and the Unicorn and ‘Millefleurs’ Style Tapestries
In the late medieval period of the fifteenth century the now famous millefleurs tapestries first appear characterized by their backgrounds made of hundreds of tiny flowers. The most well known in this style are known as La Dame á la Licorne, or the Lady & the Unicorn. A group of six tapestries they are woven from a combination of woolen, silk and gold thread and have exercised an almost universal fascination on all those who have encountered them for hundreds of years.
Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Harmony of Courtly Love
From the 11th to the 13th century in England and Europe expressing personal feelings in relation to the beauty and bountiful joys of women became the province of troubadours, who were both composers and performers of lyrical poetry set to romantic music. They roved about the countryside visiting castles and their communities to deliver the latest ditties going about in song. The themes they favoured the most were those of chivalry and courtly love.
The Hour, if only there were a few more minutes each episode
From satirical shifting sexual mores to social concerns, from Soviet spies to MI6 assassins, The Hour created and written by Abi Morgan, is a stylish new British drama about journalism during the 1950′s
Macaroni’s, Incroyables and Dandies, at the essence of cool
In the 1770’s young fashionable young blades in London were called Macaroni. Their antithesis was a dandy who was at the very essence of contemporary cool.
Downton Abbey Season 2 – Travail of Tears and Family Traumas
Life upstairs and down for the Crawley family and their servants continues in Season 2. It is a definite saga in the making. Writer Julian Fellowes seems set on big changes, new inventions and different expectations in the episodes ahead. Seems he’s not ready to let go of his fantasy family yet, despite all their dramas.
Nijinsky to Nureyev – The Ballet Russes Enduring Legacy
From choreography to creativity the Ballet Russes imagined the future of dance. The company under the brilliant direction of their guru, Sergei Diaghlev, turned it into a rock star activity within a framework of early twentieth century design and culture. The National Gallery of Australia bought its treasure trove of garments at auction. And once again, Russian romance was transported to Australian shores.
Tapestry Tales, heavy with meaning and intention
A commission of six tapestries for William Knox D’arcy’s Dining Room at Stanmore Hall in Middlesex illustrates the story of the Holy Grail quest, as told in Sir Thomas Malory’s Morte d’Arthur. They took five years to weave and are considered among the most significant works made during the nineteenth century when romanticism was at its height and they paint a beguiling picture of lovely maidens and dashing knights in a style that was very appealing.
Arts & Crafts Movement – William Morris the Art that is Life
In England, during the second half of the nineteenth century, painter, writer, textile designer and social activist William Morris (1834-1896) became the spiritual leader of a revival in arts and crafts that encompassed all the visual arts, including architecture and interiors.
Jean Baptiste Lully, Noble Simplicity and Quiet Greatness
During the seventeenth century European and English composers displayed great creativity, combining brilliantly philosophical thought and musical aesthetics to render and translate into music the passions, preferences and affections of contemporary man. The Baroque, as expressed in secular art, music and life, became a potent force guided by Louis XIV of France at his chateau at Versailles. His grandiose, absolutist concepts, structure and ceremonious life of his court were reflected in the mirrors of his grand salon.
Fashion, is it more than a Frock?
From skinny self sacrificing super models to those demanding the use of ‘real people’, costume accommodates a desire to be noticed. It is the look at me, look at me syndrome, which has been in play for thousands of years. Today it collectively reflects a western society in which privacy has been stripped completely bare. But is fashion about more than a frock?
A ‘Compleat’ Gentleman, more than a leader of style
In London much of the development in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century was in the hands of aristocratic landowners. But were they ‘compleat’ gentlemen?
Downton Abbey, upstairs and down for the new gen and new age
From our London correspondent comes news about an exciting television series Downton Abbey, the most expensive British TV show ever produced. It is a great upstairs and downstairs story about life in an English Country House just prior to world war one, The dynamics of the people who live and work in Downton Abbey draw everyone into their emotional turmoil, one mostly internalized by its protagonists against their wellbeing. They are responding to the strict social and moral mores of their day which are under threat by massive societal change…
A ‘Compleat’ Gentleman, more than a man with ideas
In 2010 a compleat gentleman comes in many guises and from all walks of life and all backgrounds. It is not about money. It is about style and a set of values to live by. In his personal presentation he is always appropriate, a trend setter, not a trend follower. And, if he is your friend, then he is your needs answered. One thing is sure – he will be found at the cutting edge of twenty first century enlightenment and will ensure that he always promotes the emergence of new ideas while encouraging the raising of positive voices to benefit marginalized sections of society. He will offer to give of his time, effort and even money to ensure that there is a measure of opportunity for all. A compleat gentleman is quite simply a man for all seasons.
Adam in Georgian London, investing in the future of style
18th century Scottish architect Robert Adam was ambitious and planned to perfect his knowledge of architecture on his Grand Tour by examining outstanding monuments from antiquity. He also wanted to refine his social graces so that he would be able to move in the highest possible elevations of society, conversing easily with any member of the aristocracy that had formed and refined their taste in Italy.
‘The Angel in the House’ meant a snug Victorian family life
Domestic cares of the household were expected to be kept hidden from the Victorian gentleman. He expected to arrive home to a warm welcome from his wife and children in a flutter of excitement to see him. He was comforted by the thought there was a cozy fire to warm him, a neat plain dinner with soup, a joint and two or three removes to accompany it. Order and quiet was valued above all. A poem “the Angel in the House”, written by Coventry Patmore about his wife Emily, was to have a huge impact..
Sex Spies & Shameful Liaisons Cinema Event @ Venice Biennale
The 2011 Mostra Internazionale D’Arte Cinematografica la Biennale di Venezia held recently was host to a whole new raft of so-called ‘intelligent movies’ distinguished actors like Britain’s heartthrob Colin Firth believes audiences are clamouring for.
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