British Cities: Sex and Sensibility—The Allure of Art Nouveau (Enhanced DVD)

Britain’s efforts in the propagation of Art Nouveau are explored in this program as Stephen Smith, the cultural correspondent uncovers the glittering, short yet debatable career of Aubrey Beardsley who is famous for his sexually titillating sketches. The video explains how London did not embrace these erotic curves, as Paris did. However, it was Oscar Wilde did embrace the drawings of the bold Aubrey Beardsley. Oscar Wild was said to have committed a ‘gross indecency’ and was sent to jail for the act. It is said to have damaged the reputation of the Victorians and brought about a huge mistrust for this kind of art.

Smith continues to find out more about the influences of art nouveau on British Art during the early years of 20th century. He moves on to explore the works of famous Illustrator, Aubrey Beardsley along with the designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Smith also examines the designs of Marry Watts, the acclaimers designer and the tremendous impact of entrepreneur dabbling in department store Arthur Liberty whose “Liberty prints’’ created a splash in the modern world of fashion and are still popular today. In Scotland, Smith glorifies the hugely popular artist Margaret MacDonald along with her husband artist cum architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

(British Cities: Sex and Sensibility—The Allure of Art Nouveau, Enhanced DVD, 51 minutes)
ISBN: 978-1-61753-400-3
Copy Right Date: 2012
CC