Objects figure prominently in Dada and Surrealism, starting with Marcel Duchamp’s (1887-1968) introduction of the assisted ‘Ready-Made’[1] and branching out into the ‘Surrealist Object’ which 34 took its cue from Duchamp’s conception and initial use of the ‘Found Object’. Attached to Dada as a disruptive art of ‘noise’[2], props and masks were used, incorporating objects […]
West Wycombe Park (1740 – 1800) is the ideal study of the ‘total’ nature of architecture in the 18th century – in itself conceived as a synthesis of the work of the architect, status of the patron and interior schemes. This country house functions as a piece of theatre; its interiors the sets to an […]
The early-mid century London art scene has always been of particular interest to me, given my love affair with the Bloomsbury Group and their circle as they fox-trotted across the literary, artistic, philosophical and intellectual worlds of the new millennia. The Omega Set, in particular and their liberal play with the decorative arts was especially […]
Among the grounds of Versailles, Le petit Trianon and its hamlet were Marie-Antoinette’s turn at the provincial life – as a hobbyist might take up historical re-enactment. A living, breathing, working set: Complete with rustic exteriors, windmill, bridge and players. The hamlet was a blend of fancy and function; as closely as it could be […]
The image of a beautiful young woman combing her long, oftentimes blonde hair, has traction throughout the Medieval period and in folklore and fairytale ever since. Indeed, it’s a single strand of Isolde’s hair, the Goose Girl’s unbraiding, the Virgin Queen’s coronation splendor, Rapunzel’s tresses – that capture the imagination and are truly evocative of […]
