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| 'Self Portrait' with kind permission of the artist Piers Jamson (c) |
Initially slightly disconcerted to see my favourite London
Gallery converted into a Victoriana ‘emporium’ of delight; my guiding ‘tools’ missing!
The Grimshaw, The Silent Ceremony and the Fire Judge. However, didn’t take long to get absorbed in
the exciting displays which were fascinating just like a Victorian cabinet of curiosity
but on a giant scale.
From the handsome ‘Self Portrait’ by Piers Jamson, in
silhouette, not the tiny weeny things hung on ribbons, but life size, viewed
from the stairs going down into the gallery – the artist was very pleased with
the hang. He makes a fine Victorian
dandy. See also his framed photograph ‘The
Drawing Room’. http://www.piersjamson.com/index.html
Also gaze across or lift up your eyes, to view the hanging displays
- one with bees being ridden by tiny skeletal warriors! This encouraged a ‘buzz’
of conversation about bee keeping and how fascinating it is!
Then on to the taxidermy (armchair) in The Reimagined
Parlour, not to everyone’s liking but the foxes looked beautiful and very snug.
Stimulated a conversation about fur coats and how it was OK as long as they
were second-hand or granny’s old fur stole.
Butterflies were also represented, fluttering down from the ceiling
coming from a ‘chrysalis' in the form a ethereal pink dress. A Jane Eyre collection by Paula Rego some pictures associated with
the story, others not, all unsettling and thought provoking. Then Dorian Gray novel/play/film displayed as photographs
with an interesting twist, drawn primarily from the 1945 Hollywood adaptation
using restaged stills. You may recall how pale he was? This time he has a much
darker complexion.
So we wound our way through the galleries, getting smaller
and narrower (it’s not a big exhibition but it feels it - in a good way!) film and fantasy
abounds, and do not forget to peek behind the black curtain, more butterflies
but will play havoc with your vision and mind!
Oh there is also the steam gun and inventions taking inspiration
from those clever Victorians. There is also the ‘Neo Victorian Alphabet’ and
wireless and Time Travel. Fanciful tattoos are there as well.
Believe me there is something for EVERYONE at this
extravaganza of an exhibition, even if you are not particularly fond of things
Victorian, you will enjoy the ‘revivalist’ take on it. Also lots of emphasis on
the Gothic.
My favourite piece, or second favourite, cannot make up my
mind having met the artist of one in person, is Dress 09. A lazar cut full length
dress, over a yellowing crackling silk, look closely at the pattern, it does
seem to move and glower at you. Influenced by a Victorian short story the ‘Yellow
Wallpaper’ a must read – see links for a 360 degree view of dress
http://onviewonline.craftscouncil.org.uk/yellow-wallpaper/the-pattern-just-enjoys-it/
and the story: http://onviewonline.craftscouncil.org.uk/yellow-wallpaper/
Do check out the Octomaids – woman-mullusc hybrids ‘that
have crawled and slithered their way into the contemporary artistic imagination’. http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visiting-the-city/attractions-museums-and-galleries/guildhall-art-gallery-and-roman-amphitheatre/Pages/victoriana.aspx A tiny version of the altered engraving.
There is not your usual catalogue to the exhibition but a
lovely hard back book called ‘Victoriana A Miscellany’ – it has lots of
interesting writings about the exhibits plus a ‘conversation’ with Sarah
Waters.
Hats off and a loud hurrah to Sonia Solicari and her team for this extraordinary exhibition.
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