Lipstick Powder and Paints the online sketchbook of a burlesque and pin-up artist

Alice in Wonderland: Roadtrip recollections No.1

2012-01-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

Estelle Dudley as Alice in Wonderland 1917

Image copyright of the National Portrait Gallery

I've just come back from my bumper gallery roadtrip to Liverpool where I began by visiting the Tate to see the Alice in Wonderland exhibition.

It's great to see the Tate choosing to do this show; they have created a treasure box with a universal appeal which has lured not only art fans but families and non gallery goers too. Maybe it's because Alice has permeated our culture, inspired artists, writers and even the way we think.

Sparking Alice mania back in it's day, the book has left a never ending legacy of surrealism and childhood imaginings which we still plunder in order to make sense of the world we live in today. It wasn't until I saw this show I realised just how influenced we are by this children's story.

Like all good fairy tales, Alice in Wonderland began with some grains of truth; I saw Dodgson's (or Carroll's dependiong on which way you want to view it) original camera, the Victorian version of Nikon; cutting edge technology, so compact you could box it up and carry not only the machine but the developing equipment with you wherever you went, the exquisite glass bottles of developing fluid labled 'Poison'.

Then there were his photos, children playing, children dressed up as fairy tale characters, or children sleeping, their still black and white forms looking like peaceful corpses one moment, the image of innocence the next. One photograph showed a young girl sitting next to a mirror, her reflection creating another character, suggesting a whole new dimension to be explored. Nothing was quite what it seemed. His adoration of the Liddell sisters was evident in the copious images he produced of the three little girls, Alice Liddell clearly his favourite and eventual muse.

Seeing these artifacts within the deep red velvet room in which they were set, elements of Alice began to take shape, it was like delving into Dodgson's mind and connecting the dots.

I especially enjoyed the room filled with different editions of Alice in Wonderland. When the copyright to the story ceased in 1907 a fever for all things Alice took hold and her image along with those of her companions were seen everywhere. Tea sets, magic lanterns, ornaments and dolls, plays, musicals and photography. It was fascinating to see how different people translated the book into new and individual imaginings.

As early as the 1900's artists were beginning to find favour in the many layers of Alice's adventures; Echoes of the little girl in a dangerous and nonsense world can be seen in the work of Dorothea Tanning and Max Ernst. One sculpture by Tanning made from a tactile black velvet looked very much like a teapot from one angle and a cat luxuriantly washing itself from another, the double meaning and uncertainty of the book revealing itself in her work.

Eine Klein Nachtmusik Dorothea Tanning 1946

Moving on through the decades the 60's saw an explosion of psychedelia and mind altering drugs which suited the surreal offerings of Wonderland.

Yayoi Kusama sent out invitations to a naken tea party happening in New York's Central Park at the Alice statue. Idolising the heroine she stated 'When she was feeling down, Alice was the first person to take a pill to feel high'

While I wandered through the maze like layout of the exhibition, I couldn't help but feel a little like Alice myself, as I encountered strange and unsettling characters. A Humpty like being sat atop a lofty perch, a re-animated rabbit moving dream like in it's deceased state, and possibly the most strange, Robert De Niro talking to himself in a mirror as the famous scene from Taxi Driver was projected in double across two walls, drawing De Niro into a four way conversation, or so it seemed.

I left feeling a little hazy, but hungry for more. If I'd found a cake with 'Eat Me' written on it I wouldn't need to be told twice. Such a good day that gave me much to ponder upon.

Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

New year and new beginnings, here's a round up of what's happening so far!

I am currently working on a portrait commission for glamourpuss, and sometime fetish model, Fiona. This is a very striking picture and will ooze sex kitten when it is finished. Here's where I was up to just before Christmas;

The thing I love about this picture is the masses of luxurious red hair. It is only blocked in here but you can get an idea of how shiny and vibrant it will look when the painting is finished. The skin only has it's first layer on in this photo. I build up skin tones in layers in order to capture the many colours that the skin holds which helps to give it depth and the illusion of softness.

I've continued with my experiments in embroidery and I'm working on a shoe design inspired by louboutin at the moment;

I found the original image in a magazine where the shoe was covered in crystals (embellishment is big right now!). I've tried to recreate the lushious surface by covering my shoe in a mixture of beads and french knots in differnt gold threads. The finished piece will show the shoe suspended from a glossy ribbon tied into a bow... nearly finished.

To see other embroideires I've worked on visit my facebook page HERE

I'm planning a a gallery excursion later this month; For Christmas I recieved a brilliant book called Lizzie Siddal: The Tragedy of a Pre-Raphaelite Supermodel. It's a super read if you're interested in the PRB and the sexual chemistry shared by a number of it's members. All this Victorian drama and sizzle has got me hankering to see the real deal so I'm hoping to take a trip to some art galleries over January and see some of the Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces. My first thoughts are The Lady Lever Art Gallery and the Walker Art Gallery, both located in Merseyside and both home to a wonderful collection of original work by the likes of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Holman Hunt to name but a few. I need to do some further research but I hope to take my trip soon!

Image by Rachel Ortas

Finally some art news from Manchester; Cornerhouse is hosting a new six week course on comtemporary visual art, Beyond the Counterculture. If you like your art a little bit seedy, leftfield, kitsch and kooky then this course is for you! Hosted by the publishers of Nude Magazine the course explores subcultures, youth movements and pop culture. Apparently some of the visuals used may be offensive to some, so what better reason to sign up! Find out more and how to join HERE

GROTTO is back!

2011-12-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

After the succes of last years pop up shop, Grotto returns this festive season to fulfil all your arty and crafty gift needs! Situated this time in the Chinese Arts Centre in Manchester's Northern Quarter the shop is looking exciting and full of new arts pieces ready to buy.

'In Deep Water' original watercolour and ink art work in customised frame

I have work in there right now, and will be adding new work in the next few days including new embroidery, so pop in! There is a great variety of local talent from artists around Manchester all at affordable prices so you'll be sure to find something to tick off your shopping list! From original screen prints, unique Christmas decorations and clothing to unusual accessories and art work it's definately worth a look.

GROTTO @The Chinese Arts Centre

Market Buildings Thomas St M4 1EU

Join GROTTO on Facebook

Running until the new year!

Back in the booth!

2011-12-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

Last week I spent a good few hours sitting in a small box just big enough to house myself and some art materials. Hunched over a drawing desk with no concept of if it was day or night, I worked non stop to produce art on demand; no it wasn't artist abuse, but Sketch-O-Matic, quite a unique and gratifying experience for all concerned!

The booth appeared in Cornerhouse over a week ago and before the project had properlly begun it attracted curious people eager to find out what was behind the curtained off area and what would happen when you put your money in. But the real fun began on the first night of it's 10 day run as the word spread that Sketch-O-Matic had to be experienced to be believed. In fact so successful was the venture that every time I looked there was someone's legs visible beneath the curtain as they sat patiently for their art work

The basic concept was that of a photo booth but one where an artist replaced the camera. The functions were all the same, the but the mirror inside was one way, meaning I could see you, but you couldn't see me! After paying your suggested £1 you had to wait for around 5 minutes then stand outside to receive your portrait through the slot.

From my first stint I knew this was going to be lots of fun. The fact the sitter can't see you as you draw them made a huge difference to normal life drawing or quick sketching; It allowed the artist to totally get stuck in with no thought to being observed as they worked. Plus it meant the sitters acted more like they were having a photo taken.

There was no telling who would step inside next, from little boys to stately pensioners, beautiful girls to bearded eccentrics; I loved the challenge of getting features and characters down in the short time I had, and I totally loved the fact there was often a queue of people waiting for their turn to be immortalised in the Sketch-O-Matic booth. It was a very intense situation working so quickly and to high demand but equally satisfying to hear peoples sounds of appreciation they got the portrait in their hands.

The most surreal but amazing part of the whole thing for me was that, stranger or friend, the sitter had no real contact with me as I drew them (sometimes the sitter wouldn't even know who was behind the mirror looking at them) but the encounter felt very intimate all the same.

I had a couple of go's sitting on the other side of the booth to see what it was like and although I sat looking at my own reflection, I caught glimpses of movement and the rustle of paper through the mirror and it was quite thrilling to know that someone was making me the subject of their work. It beat the cold and empty experience of using self automated machines, convenient they may be. As we move further and further away from actual social interaction on a daily basis, there was a simple charm about the Sketch-O-Matic which accounted for it's popularity. I totally understood the appeal! I would have gone in more often if I could. One Cornerhouse employee had 12 portraits by different artists and counting half way through the project...!

If you missed your chance to be sketched or play muse to an instant poem, lets all keep our fingers crossed that this wont be the last we see of the Sketch-O-Matic, I for one will miss that booth.

Sketch-O-Matic!

2011-11-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

I will be one of a host of artists taking part in this on hands interactive project taking place at the Cornerhouse starting this Thrusday as part of Art Night. Sketch-O-Matic is cutting edge drawing technology! Well actually, it's a full size photobooth with an artist crammed into the space the camera should be; Sit in front of the one way mirror, put in your £1 wait 5 minutes or so and your portrait will be posted throught the slot! Wow!

I will be there waiting to draw you this Friday 25th Nov 8-9pm and Monday 28th Nov 12-1pm

Who knows what scribbles will be created but one thing is for sure, the art work is original and yours to keep! The Sketch-O-Matic booth will be in situ from 6pm Thurs 24th Nov to Sun 2th Dec and will be manned in hour slots, see the booth for timings.

Cornerhouse: 70 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5NH

My Week With Marilyn

2011-11-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

I am soooo excited about this new film! Based on the true story of junior assistant producer Colin Clarke's unbelievable week long relationship with Marilyn Monroe during the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl in 1957 England. I recently re-read the book in preparation!

My Week With Marilyn is like having a new Marilyn film coming out in my life time; impossible, amazing, exciting and slightly worrying. Like many MM fans I am extremely protective of her, this woman who left the world years before I entered it. I've grown up watching her, studying her photos and reading every book I find about her. In short Marilyn has helped shape my ideas of glamour performance and artifice. She encompasses my obsession with femininity! And what's more, I really like her, not just her image, her personality traits too.

It's an understatement to say that the mark Marilyn left on this world goes far deeper than that of a moviestar. Her reach has profoundly altered her fans, uplifted them, inspired them and touched them. Marilyn's creativity and personal story shines on and on...

On viewing the trailer for My Week With Marilyn I felt a small shiver run down my spine, Michelle Williams seems to really get her. Rather than focusing on the sex kitten image (which I have a horrid feeling Naomi Watts will try to capture in her upcoming MM picture Blonde) Williams has keyed into MM's vulnerable side and her complex state of mind. This can really be seen in the shots used to promote the film.

This is certainly no looky-likey performance yet I feel Williams ability to tap into Marilyn's psyche will do more than any amount of bleach and lipstick could ever achieve in doing her justice. I found this interesting talk featuring many of Hollywood's big names sitting around chatting about their work, Here Williams describes her transformation into MM and her own feelings about the star's personality.

It's fascinating stuff. I hope with all my fingers and toes crossed this film lives up to my expectations!

Hit or Miss?

2011-11-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend sees London host the 2011 Miss World pageant, an event that has been running for decades and now celebrates it's 61st year! So popular is this programme it is viewed by millions worldwide. Yet no British mainstream channel will broadcast it (if you're intertested you can find it on the Active Channel here in the UK. Ever heard of it? No me neither.)

So why the awkward silence and doleful staring at the feet? Surely such a huge and successful enterprise would have the BBC and ITV both elbowing each other out of the way to get first dibs.

Well no, you see Miss World has become something of an embarassement these days and anti feminsit. The 'respectable' media will no doubt promote this opinion because lets face it, championing a beauty pageant in this day and age is 'totally uncool'.

This morning I watched The Wright Stuff on Channel 5 and the phone-in was about Miss World. Matthew Wright laid down the gauntlet;

'...We’re going to find out what you think about Britain hosting the Miss World beauty contest on Sunday. Feminist groups say it’s sexist and outdated but organisers say the contest champions racial equality and has more than 1bn fans worldwide. True, many in such open-minded pro-women democracies as china and Zimbabwe. Come on folks, what the hell are we doing hosting this nonsense in the 21st century'

With the bait set Wright waited for the lines to fill with disgruntled women. Which they did, but not the disgruntled women he was perhaps expecting; every caller was a female proclaiming her love for the contest and dismay at his views.

But how can you say there's nothing wrong with 'ogling girls in bikinis', how is that not sexist? Wright asked in exasperation.

He was so outraged by the callers he cried out that he was the only true feminist on the programme. Citing that women only feel the need to conform into ideals of beauty, because of a male dominated society which wanted to keep them in their place, the Miss World contest did nothing for womens rights and in fact put them back to the 1950's when the pageant began.

He certainly has a point. But somewhere in between all this political correctness and pageant nonsense something is bothering me. When Wright told one of the callers they couldn't be a feminist and still be a fan of Miss World I wondered why not. It might seem obvious but wait...

I applaud his sentiments and passion for the subject of womens rights, but surely, as I pointed out in my post about the bunny girl, being a feminist means allowing women to pursue their lives in any way they see fit, whether that be dressing as a fluffy rabbit or taking part as a Miss World contestant, it's their choice.

To dictate just what a woman should and shouldn't think in order to be taken seriously is just as bad as these dominating men Wright was talking about. Why can't you enjoy watching a beauty contest and still feel strongly for women's rights? One of the things that occurs to me is that in our fight for equality over the years, women's roles have changed dramatically, but one thing has always remained the same, we ARE women. And as women we still enjoy cosmetics and fashion and beauty. Despite what Wright says these passions are not completely due to men telling us we should conform to them, they come from somewhere deep in our genetic makeup. (The thousands of women out shopping for new outfits and lipstick right now are probably having a whale of a time glorying in the thrill of it all.)

But I do feel these interests are massively exploited by the media and commercialism, and no doubt Miss World plays on them in order to have been running for so long. Tanya Gold (She of the bunny hating club) recently wrote an article entitled 'I blame the media for ignoring feminsim in favour of makeup' In it she asks 'why the feminist movement seems so comprehensively to have stalled.'

My answer would be it hasn't stalled, it has changed. Women like myself, and possibly the caller on The Wright Stuff, enjoy the trappings of modern femininity (I view artifice as a huge part of femininity), but that doens't mean we have been brainwashed into accepting nothing else in our lives. Feminists (men and women) need to stop pigeonholing other women over their choices and focus on a fully rounded representation of women including the cosmetic side. Why does that have to be a bad thing?

While I personally find Miss World off putting I don't agree with some feminists using the beauty card to underline what they see as womens failure. There is a fine line between enjoying being a woman and having your femininity exploited.

Latest painting...

2011-10-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

I began this painting of 1940's burlesque performer Noel Toy over a year ago! It wasn't my intention for it to take so long to be completed (usually I finish paintings in a matter of weeks sometimes days) but it soon took second and even third place in importance as other work and projects took priority. During the year or so it sat in my studio I worked on it getting a hour here and an afternoon there every now and then.

On one hand it was good to have a painting on the go as it kept me connected to one of my favourite mediums, but on the other hand having my concentration broken so often meant that my bond with the work had to be built up every time I got the chance to work on it. So finally getting this piece finished feels extra satisfying. However I may come back to it and do some last minute tweaks here and there...maybe it'll never really be finished!

Anyway, I hope Noel would approve of her portrait, which I wanted to stand as a tribute to her; not only was she a pioneer of breaking stereotypes, she was a wonderful performer with much grace and vibrancy.

I wanted her painting to have a vintage feel with a nod to old film with its jumps and crackles, hence the black and white background and slightly blurred edges. But I also wanted to highlight Noel's uniqueness, the thing that helped to make her so popular, her origin.

Seen by many as an 'exotic', Noel used her looks to further her successes. I wanted to try and capture how startling and shocking it would have been to see a little oriental lady performing burlesque back in the 1940's, and found Vladimir Tretchikoff as inspiration. His famous 'Green Ladies' encapsulated the eras fascination with the orient with it's 'unusual' beauty and glamour.

Rather than pigeon hole Noel into yet another stereotype I hope this painting shows her for what she was, a canny performer with a fearless sense of fun and femininity.

This week I have been mostly...

2011-10-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

...sitting in front of a computer trying to make sense of it all!

I do have something to show for it though; I now have a Facebook Page dedicated to my art work and creative adventures, so as well as my checking in here for an in depth look at what is going on in my world, my facebook page will be a good place for up to the minute pictures and links to events.

You can click to 'like' HERE

Other news:

I was recently asked by the very talented and productive writer Nonita, to submit any stories I had about burlesque mishaps, or to put it bluntly stories about 'when burlesque goes wrong!' She has since put a post together about these mishaps and they make for great reading. If anything they prove that behind the glitter and feather fans there are a whole host of danger zones the burlesque performer must negotiate. Read and enjoy; Burlesque Mishaps, when things don't go according to plan

The beginning of the week saw me handing over my nautical inspired retirment gift to a former Naval seaman. This sailor tattoo themed work celebrated his naval links in a tradtional style and I think he was quite pleased!

Embroideries on Etsy

2011-10-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

Both my embroideries of Jeanine the Pirate and Scarlett J are now in my Etsy Shop, which you can access HERE, on the little shop front on the side of this blog or on my website.

These embroideries look fab on the wall, very kitsch and cool and are 100% original. They would make a great present for anyone with a love of burlesque, rockabilly or tattoo styles and with Christmas just around the corner now is the time to get them while you can!

I can also work to order so if you have an idea in mind for a personalised gift please get in touch for an estimate.

I am currently embroidering these leopard print babies for a friend. The shoes are a nice contrast to the portrait style work I started off experimenting with. Plus they are smaller in size at just 4.5 x 6 inches. I am really enjoying working on them, stay tuned to see how they turn out...

Last weeks Sketch Crawl

2011-10-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

It all began in the morning at Salford Museum and Art Gallery (which is just around the corner from my studio). We were to spend the day with illustrator and author of childrens books, Lynne Chapman who currently has an exhibition of her work on show in the gallery.

Lynne began by talking us through her work, and I learnt a lot about the thought process that goes into illustration; how to keep it interesting, what you can and can't show, how to get around tricky narrative. It was all really interesting and I especially enjoyed getting the viewpoint from another artistic genre and hearing how we shared similar pros and cons of being freelance artists.

It was a glorious day, hot bright and sunny so the group had lunch outside and immediately got stuck in with sketching. The gallery is located in the University complex so that most of the surroundings are made up of wonderful Victorian buildings and lots of park land, and it is always bustling with students.

The plan was to spend a hour at three different spots then reconvene at the end of the day. I started out pretty rusty, not having sketched outside for a good while, but once I let myself relax into the moment I started to get much better. One of my favourite things was to try and capture the atmosphere of all the students lolling about in the sun, chatting and reading.

This girl lay for ages before she realised I was drawing her, at which point she upped an left, you can't win them all I guess, but I did like the shape her legs made from this angle.

This building was always busy and I liked the grandness of the entrance which had floods of people pouring in and out at all times.

The best building was the gallery itself and I spent a good hour or so sketching it. Matters weren't helped by the fact an enormous bus parked right in front of it just as I was drawing the entrance! So frustrating, but I managed to draw around it until it left. I tried to capture the movement around the building which was always changing as people and vehicles came and went constantly.

Detail 1

Detail 2

After grabbing a cup of tea the group met for a viewing of what we'd come up with. Lynne was really enthusiatic about our work and took photos for her blog. It was really good to share our endevours and find out what each other had seen and been inspired by that day.

I'd recommend a sketch crawl to anyone interested in drawing no matter what level they are at. The day was really laid back and fun and I felt I got a lot out of it! I think Lynne runs similar events in her home town of Sheffield so it's worth checking out news on her blog and also other drawing activites at your local gallery.

Twit-twoo!

2011-09-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

I am now on Twitter. Find me at: http://twitter.com//GemmaParkerArt to find out all the latest!

A mixed bag of arty events

2011-09-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Warthog by Lynne Chapman

Next Thursday I will attending a 'sketch crawl' at Salford Art Gallery. Here's the blurb:

Children's book illustrator and sketchbook enthusiast Lynne Chapman invites you to join her for a SketchCrawl around the galleries. Lynne will give a talk about her work, and you'll have the chance to chat with her and look around her exhibition 'Llamas in Pyjamas'. In the afternoon Lynne will lead the SketchCrawl, where you can create your own sketches. It doesn't matter how good you are, it's for fun, so have a go! You will need to bring a sketchbook and a pencil

Lynne's work is wonderfully fun, I'm really looking forward to hearing her talk and getting stuck in with some sketching. I'll post up what I come up with next week. You can find out more about the sketch crawl phenomenon on her blog HERE

The Irish Girl by Ford Maddox Brown 1860

Another thing I'm looking forward to is visiting the Ford Maddox Brown exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery.

As a life long fan of the Pre-Raphaelites I am so excited that there is another show dedicated to one of my heroes! Back in 2008 the gallery held an exhibition of Holman Hunt work which was really fabulous. I left feeling like I knew more about this talented individual than when I arrived and it was fascinating to see his body of work throughout his career. I hope the Maddox Brown show is as successful!

I love the work of the Pre-Raphaelites partly because they worshipped women and I feel the paintings they produced were like the pin up girls of their day: Sexy glamorous and alluring. But also I think the work was revolutionary when it was made. It broke the mould in a time of chocolate box insipidity and safe art, the PRB's paintings were exciting and shocking.

As if that wasn't enough art fun to look out for, Bury is soon to host the Bury Light Night. On the 14th October the town will be transformed into a luminous landscape of creativity and art events including music, performance, workshops and much more. My good pal Brian Allen of Salford FM will be hosting a Musical Memories Tour taking guests back to the Bury of the 1960's. The tour will have music, photos and memorabilia about Manchester's musical past. Brian used to run the highly successful 60's tour at Urbis and is a pro at bringing the excitement and enthusiasm of the era back to life!

To find out more about the event and how to join in click HERE

Experiments in thread continued

2011-09-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

Working out the mix of colours to use on Scarlett's cheeks and eyes

I started my second embroidery experiment last week and already I can see it's more sophisticated then the first one. Taking inspiration from the pillow lipped Scarlett Johansson, I wanted to create something very kitsch with a tattoo like feel. But the more I've worked on it the more complicated it's become with layers of fabric making up the overall image. I'm quite pleased with it so far though.

Again I've used interfacing to bond layers of material for blocks of colour and acyrlic to paint in the areas I want to give a cosmetic look .

There haven't been as many mistakes and unpicking to be done, but I can see areas I'd do differently next time. It's definately a learning process, but a really fun one. I'm really enjoying doing these pieces and already have ideas for the next one!

Still needs the outline stitiching and some embellishments

Other news:

I finished the 'Last Port' painting last week, but wasn't very sure about it. I'm used to doing more complex 'realistic' paintings with acrylic, so when I finished this one I was underwhelmed at first. I used indian ink to outline the images and text which is something I've never used before on canvas. It gives a beautiful slick shiny black line but to my horror comes off if paint is applied over it. I'm going to see if fixative will fix this problem (any ideas?).

Detail of one of the mermaids as I was outlining.

I quite like the pastel effect this work had without black outlines.

I might do a bit more to the background but otherwise it's finshed

Despite my initial feelings I'm actually growing to like this piece and as it is a gift for someone I really hope they like it too!

Breaking news!

2011-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

The 1950's dressing room display at Stoke Potteries Museum and Art Gallery will be up for a further week with the deadline extended to this coming Sunday 18th Sept. So there's still time to see the goreous original vintage pieces used in my collaborative project with the museum which inspired my online serial Mrs Brown's Diary! If you like historic treasures, vintage glam, and a good story to boot this is for you!

Pirates and mermaids

2011-09-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

My embroidery experiment is now pretty much finished. Now I've had a go at it I really enjoy the process of creating images this way and I plan to start another image this week. Again, I'll be stitching in my spare time and those moments in the day when there are gaps.

For a first attempt I'm pretty pleased with it but I went wrong on it so many times and had to unpick threads and try to save parts by cheating a bit. The only thing I have to do is figure out what to do with the back: keep stitching and knots on show or hide them?

I plan to do a Scarlett Johannson inspired image this time, will keep you posted.

The painting I'm doing as a gift is coming on nicely. Here it is, as was a few days ago. I will be applying the outlines very soon, my favorite bit! Hope the person I'm doing it for likes it.

MM Personal

2011-09-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

As my online serial 'Mrs Brown's Diary' draws closer to it's final post this coming Sunday, it seems fitting that I have just finshed reading the book which inspired my project in the first place.

I first became aware of the existance of the book, 'MM Personal' when I read an article in Vanity Fair called 'The Things She Left behind'. The article covered the hidden cache of treasures left behind by Marilyn Monroe which had previously been unseen.

I found flicking throught the beautiful photos of everyday items like reciepts, perfume bottles and jewellery fascinating and I began to formulate the idea of basing an art work around belongings that told a story. I started by looking into female ephemera; the hub or altar of artifice, the dressing table. Readers sent in photos of their own dressing tables for me to display in the 'Dressing Table Gallery' and from there I went on to try and decypher the meanings and stories each photo hinted towards.

The gallery was excellent research for my collaborative project with Stoke Potteries Museum and Art Gallery where I was invited to give my response to the Decorative Arts collection housed in the museum. I knew straight away I wanted to create a 'room' with objects which told a story. What better room for gorgeous belongings and hidden meanings than a dressing room? The subsequent display has been on show at the museum since March and also finishes this coming Sunday, 11th September.

The objects took the lead in telling the story which is now transcribed in 'Mrs Brown's Diary', Mrs Brown being the fictitious owner of the dressing room, revealing it's secrets through her private musings.

I found MM Personal a wonderful insight into Marilyn's life, but also from an artists point of view found it creates an illustration of Marilyn without Marilyn, she is obviously absent but strangely present. Her choices, likes, dislikes and actions are in every document and item.

It is my hope that the dressing room at Stoke's museum has a simlar atmosphere, and that Mrs Brown's Diary completes an evocative picture of an individual and a time inspired by objects.

Image by Mark Anderson www.markandersonphoto.com

Marilyn has once again been an inspirartion, this time not just because of her sex appeal or her acting work, but literally because of the things she left behind. Her half used Chanel No5 photographed so lovingly shows how the idea of a person could be transferred so eloquently onto objects. How a story can be contructed through clues left within belongings.

Embroidery experiment #1

2011-09-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

Here's how my embroidery experiment is going!

As mentioned before I have been only working on it when I've had spare time (watching t.v, waiting for things etc) and it's been really enjoyable passing the minutes with a needle and thread. The minutes fly by and there's something very calming and focused about working in this way.

After tracing my design onto some canvas I postioned it in an embroidery hoop and got stuck in (I think mine is called a flexi hoop in woodgrain and it's about 14cm high). I'm new to embroidery so was suprised to realise I knew more than one style of stitch. I think it's because I approached this work like I was painting a picture and thought about what shapes of stitch would suit what part of the picture: I used a chain stitch to outline the eye patch and a satin stitch to fill it in.

Then when I got home I traced the shape of the hair and collar onto separate bits of coloured material and used iron on interfacing to stick them in place. This was a bit fiddly as I didn't do it right the first time, but they are pretty well stuck now on a second attempt.

Then it was a case of outlining everything, but I wasn't happy with the way the collar turned out. I used a chain stitch for this but I thought it looked messy and not in keeping with the clean lines reminiscent of the tattoo style I want. It turns out I was doing it wrong anyway, so I unpicked it all and had to do a new collar as it had frayed the white material badly.

I'm currently using a chain stitch with a thicker thread count to outline the hair and I think it will work ok on the collar too (now I figured out how to do it right). I used a simple stem stitch to do the fine outlines on the features and neck which is my favourite stitch so far as it's the most like drawing, and I used acrylic paint to colour her cheeks and eyelid.

I'll let you know how it turns out. I'm really enjoying it so far!

The value of your words

2011-08-29T05:38:00.000-07:00

Having feedback about your work is always helpful, and can be very positive. But to inspire creativity through your own efforts is a wonderful feeling!

I was absolutley thrilled when Joanna Webster was inspired by my online serial, Mrs Brown's Diary, to put pen to paper. Joanna is a poet, song writer and singer whose work has been published in countless poetry journals. I really enjoy her approachable thought provoking poetry which covers her many interests from Beatles mania to Easter egg excitment! I am particularly impressed with this work which I feel captures a whole new angle on the Mrs Brown story. For this new poem Joanna explains her reaction to Mrs Brown:

'This is my interpretation of her as if she were a real person and as if I really had discovered her diary in present day.
So I've not gone into specifics, just what I think and feel as I'm reading.
And it's quite a different style of writing to what I normally do'

Mrs Brown’s diary
By Joanna Webster

Mrs Brown, if only you knew

As you sat at the mirror, some years ago, thinking

Pen in hand and sending questions out into the cosmic void

Viewing your dreams as art on someone else’s wall

And wondering whether to worry that the life you lead is small

If only you knew the value of your words

And how all the nothings that mean more than so many something’s

Will become the gossip point as I talk on corners with friends

Like the starry eyed keeping up with Hollywood trends

If only you knew that I’d get beautifully lost

in finding you in the here and now

And if everlasting could be somehow

Then you’ve pioneered and as I blow away the dust

Your heart, in my hands, still beats

You can read more of Mrs Brown's Diary now! The story is currently up to Installment 19 . I am updating her blog www.mrs-browns-diary.blogspot.com every other day to coincide with the end of the dressing room display which is on show at Stoke Potteries Museum and Art Gallery until the 11th Sept.

Bits and bobbins

2011-08-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

Detail of my portrait of Noel Toy

I'm working on lots of projects at the moment; My portrait of Noel Toy (remember that?) had to be put on hold for almost 6 months while I focused on other work that took me out of the studio and in front of a computer. But now she is near completion. I am still working on her beautiful green tinted visage between other work and I hope to have the finished thing for you to see in the near future. I am currently looking for non clear shellac to finsih off the meatl leaf details on the painting. My regular brand is no longer in manufacture, if anyone knows where I can buy NON clear shellac from please get in touch!

I'm working on a small gift painting for someone who has really helped me out over my career as an artist. He is due to retire soon so I thought I'd do a special piece for him. He used to be in the Navy so I've designed a sailor tattoo style with the words 'Last Port' to symbolise his retirement. The work is only a third of the way through but I thought I'd show you where I'm up to:

The design first drawn out on tracing paper and put in place on the canvas

The background colour applied and the first layers of colour on the mermaids

I've been spending a lot of time applying for things and putting proposals together which can take a lot of time away from actual creating things hands on. I was trying to think of ways around this when I had a brainwave about embroidery. Yes, embroidery! Providing the piece is small enough, you can carry it around with you anywhere and it will be a great way of passing time in situations where I have a few minutes to spare.

My love of sailor tattoos came to mind as the defined black outlines would transfer beautifully to stitching and line work. I designed this image during another few minutes I had to spare, which I plan to get on embroidering tonight!

It's based on an image of Taiwanese fashion model Jeanine Chin Hsi. I made her rather piratical, and she will have applique hair and shirt before I'm through. I plan on doing some nautical patterns in the background and can't wait to get to grips with the black thread outlines!

Heads Up!

2011-08-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

Just a little heads up that Mrs Brown's Diary is going to be updated several times a week between now and September 11th (all assuming I have no more technical difficulites). The diary is based on the collaborative art project I did with Stoke Potteries Museum and Art Gallery resulting in the 1950's dressing room on display until this date. Installment 14 is now online, and I'll continue to update through the week as her personal story progresses.

Also, don't forget it's Dr Sketchy's this Friday at Manchester's MadLab! I'll be performing as part of my burlesque act The Chantilly Belles in this special life drawing class come burlesque night. Tickets are to be booked in advance. Find out more in the post below or by visiting Dr Sketchy's Manchester branch website.

Have a fun week and keep reading!

Back at last!

2011-08-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

I've been experiencing some technical problems of late, hence not updating my blogs for a while. So Here's the latest news:

Photo by Candee Photography

The Chantilly Belles to perform at Dr Sketchy, Manchester

Friday 19th August Dr Sketchy presents 'Oh Foxy Lady'. We will be performing our routine 'Never Outfox the Fox' and also posing for some fab drawing sessions with games, music and prizes thrown into the mix. If you enjoy drawing and burlesque and want to attend a life drawing class with a difference come along and join the fun.

Dr Sketchy takes place at MadLab

36-40 Edge Street, Manchester, M4 1HN in the Norther Quarter (just opposite Common)

Tickets need to be booked in advance

Mrs Brown's Diary

The installments 12 and 13 are now online!

This story is inspired by the 1950's dressing room which is on display at Stoke Potteries Museum and Art Gallery until 11 September. The dressing room display is the outcome of my collaboration with the museum's decorative arts department and belongs to the fictional character Mrs Brown, a young housewife from 1951 living in the town of Hanley. Taking cues from the fashions of the time, social dynamics and historic events from Stoke, her story is currently being told hrough her diary.

This week Mrs Brown finds herself the subject of a cooking drama, and finds escape from her small existance through the magazines of the time. What ideas will they put into her head?...

Read the original article that inspires Mrs Brown below. It is a wonderful snapshot into a world where careers for women were still new, and young people took a pride in their jobs and acheivements. It's also quite funny to read how the experience of clothes shopping has changed since the 1950's along with our attitudes to fashion for the larger lady. Enjoy:

Godfrey Winns portriat of a modern shopgirl.
She's proud of her job

Picture Post circa 1947-51

I have two new neighbours in my street. I went to supper with them last night, and took a bottle of light white wine with me to christen their new abode. I hope they will be very happy there.

Their flat is at the corner, opposite the Westminster Bank, but they are their own bank, counting out the rent, they told me, as soon as they are paid each Thursday and sharing all their household bills exactly.

The ground floor of their new home is the shop window of the women's tailors, full of lengths of cloth. But Pam and Tilly are used to shop windows, of rather a larger kind, since they both work in the suit department of one of the finest stores in the West End, Peter Robinson's at Oxford Circus.

They think they are very lucky in their bachelor flat, with its all electric kitchen, because they had been home-hunting for a long time, in fact ever since they made friends.

'It's bliss,' exclaimed Pam, as she led me up the two flights of stairs. 'We don't mind what sort of day we've had at the store, we've got this to come back to. Tilly is a wizard cook, though of course we take it in turns,' she added as we reached the sitting-room.

A moment later, Tilly, or Miss Daphne Till, to give her full name, dashed in from the kitchen to say she was about to dish up, and she did hope I liked fish. I should have been mush too tactful to say that I didn't these days, whatever my tastes, but as it happens I do, very much - especially when it is cooked so well. It almost made me want to turn vegetarian like my other hostess, Miss Pamela Guard, known as Pam to all her friends, though she answers to the cry of 'Blondie', from any of her dozen departmental companians.

'They call me anything, but I don't mind' exclaimed this twenty-year old career girl, who has already crowded a great deal of experience into her pursuit of independance.

As a small girl in the war, she was evactuated to Devonshire, where she had a heavenly childhood, living in a village, messing about with boats, never going near a town of any sort. Her passion, then and now, is dogs, and at the moment she has two, both boarded out with friends, a boxer and a golden spaniel, but she is hoping one day to be able to make a home for them, too, just as she is hoping to prosper in her career.

'I am determined to make something of my life, on my own' Pam keeps on repeating, like a battle cry. I don't think she has done so badly already. In fact I admire very much her passionate ambition to become as expert a saleswoman as her mother, who is in the same store.

Probably the best ambassadors of all for our country during this Festival Summer will be the countless unknown girls who will serve foreigners from abroad with all sorts of goods marked 'Made in Britain'.

Moreover, there are big prospects and good openings for keen, intelligent girls in our retail stores, as Miss Ryder would tell you.

I must explain that Miss Ryder, who is one of the most charming women I have met in a long time, is in charge of personnel at Peter Robinson's. And she amused me very much describing what so often happens when a girl, about to leave school, comes for an interview with her mother. 'Somethimes the mother talks so much I have to lean forward and interrupt gently, "Am I wrong, it is your daughter isn't it, who wants to come to us?"'

Actually, my portrait subject this week entirely made up her own mind after trying something else out first.

Pam Guard spent two years serving her apprenticeship in a West End hairdresser's. But at the back of her mind was a longing to get out among the customers and use her own initiative.

Her mother warned her that it would mean clocking in before nine each morning, a working day till half past five with only an hour's break for lunch, and Saturday morning often the busiest time of the whole week.

But Pam was undaunted. And is still undaunted even now when she confesses that she keeps two pairs of shoes at the store, and changes after lunch, to give her feet a better chance. 'And I do wear them out quickly' she exclaims. 'All the same, Tilly and I do think it's worth it, if only because two days are never exactly alike. You never get that feeling of being stuck.'

'And what about the customer?' I asked, 'you are not disillusioned yet?'

'Oh no, I like the customers, especially the big ones.'

'You men the ones who spend a lot?'

'No, I mean the ones who take big sizes. They are always so grateful when you can fix them up with something that really fits them and makes them look slimmer, too.'

'Can you always tell at once if a customer is really serious?'

The two career girls looked at eachother and nodded in unison. 'The ones I always dread,' Tilly confessed, 'are those who have brought a woman friend along with them for a second opinion. Somehow you always feel from the start that it's not going to be possible to please them both at the same momnet.'

'The only one who can cope with them' Pam broke in, ' is Miss Solomon. She always says that if you can once get the jacket of a suit on a customers back, then the battle is almost over.'

I had already met Miss Solomon when I visited Pam's department for it was whispered in my ear that sometimes she earms, with commission, as much as fourteen pounds a week. And the buyers oftem have salaries of thousands a year, yet thay all started exaclty the same way as Pam and Tilly have done.

When I asked Miss Wilson, Pam's immediate boss, who is happily married in private life, and therefore has two successful careers, what the secret was, she said, 'There is no secret. It's personality plus concentration, plus a real liking for people. I don't look upon this as work,' she added, 'it's too exciting for that.'

And I think Pam feels the same, yes, even when she is dashing down our street to catch a Number 25B bus at Victoria every morning at twenty past eight. But in her heart she has pride in the knowledge that she belongs now to that army of her countrywomen, who in peace and war, do so much to keep up our credit in the eyes of the rest of the world that will be especially turned toward us this Summer.

Good luck, pam and Tilly. It's nice having you as neighbours...

Diary update

2011-07-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

She's been at it again: Read installment 11 and find out what Mrs Brown has been up to in Mrs Brown's Diary! The story unravells as this 1951 bored young housewife finds new outlets to amuse herself. What would George think?

Ban the Bunny? I don't think so

2011-07-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

After reading Tanya Gold's article, 'Why we need to banish the bunnies' in Stylist magazine (June 15th), I was left confused and angry at her blythe remarks about the Playboy bunny girls and feminism in general.

What really stood out for me was that this is a woman claiming to be a feminist and female supporter, defamating other women based purely on their choice of job ( the word 'choice' being the key element.)

Gold comes across as bitter and cynical in the article which was written for the re-opening of the Playboy Club in London's Mayfair: Twenty years since it closed, the club is back, this time with an emphasis on the casino aspect and of course complete with obligatory bunny girls to lend their particular brand of vintage glamour and sex appeal, which according to Gold is a massive step back for the feminist cause.

Feminism is an ever changing concept. It has to be, to make sense of the times we live in. The sentiment remains the same; equality and respect for women, but the ways of putting this into practice can change.

It's outmoded to believe all feminists are big butch man haters, the days of bra burning are long over. Similarly the ideas that women working in a sexualised environment have succombed to the male dominated ideals of society therefore sexy = bad are just as outmoded. As the wave of neo burlesque has proven, woman can feel empowered, and gain a great sense of self esteem by being the object of desire, the sensual persona in the limelight. And this isn't just for the trim, tanned and perfect; Women of every shape and size have graced the stage to become, if only for a few minutes, an expression of sexuality in one form or another, not because they have to, or feel pressured into conforming, but because they choose to and therefore it must bring them some joy. (Some women make a living from this, others do it for pure pleasure, creative, confidence building or otherwise)

The message Gold puts across in her article is one of hate and intolerance for woman who choose earn their cash by working in a sexy outfit. She looks down on the be-suited bunnies, frowning at their fluffy behinds and pointy ears with contempt. Why? because unlike her, they don't think sexual objectifiaction is 'purely a private matter'.

Gold seems set on demonising the bunny girl, and to me it seems she simply cannot seperate the woman from the costume. Her preconcieved ideas of objectification seem to have blurred her own abilites to see that the women behind the bunny has a choice. In fact she scoffs at it;

'Is that what our mothers fought for when they went to university and tried to smash the glass ceiling... So this woman could 'choose' to dress as a rabbit and serve me Diet Coke, while angry looking men watch and perv?'

Well, actually, YES! If being a feminist means NOT allowing women the freedom to choose to earn money in any way they see fit then what was the point of all the hard work? It's not reasonable to believe that equality can only be acheived by all women taking professional, sensible, straight roles. If women are to ever gain freedom and equality, then other women like Tanya Gold need to stop marginalising those who don't fit in with her one size fits all ideas.

What's more, the Playboy club is open to women as well as men, and even though some men might enjoy looking at attractive women dressed as bunnies (I still don't know why that's a bad thing, surely those same men can't ALL turn out to be male chauvinist pigs) then some women might also enjoy looking at other women dressed as bunnies. Again, it comes down to choice. Frankly, if Gold hated everything Playboy stands for, why did she even choose to cross the club's threshold?

I don't believe that every woman who works in a sexualised environment or industry is there through choice alone. Of course need, pressure, or force have been involved in some circumstances. But I do believe that in some cases, like those of the bunny girls, choice plays a large role. To mock that choice is just another form of generalising women and taking away their power. Gold could do with learning this before she spouts out another tirade of negativity in the name of feminism. Her views are outdated, and if anything, they set the cause of feminism back by decades.

New posts in Mrs Brown's Diary

2011-07-06T06:21:00.000-07:00

Installments 7-10 are now available to read on Mrs Brown's Diary.

Here is an opportunity to learn something Mrs Brown's past love life. She might be leading the average life of a 1950's housewife, but is she really that that hard done by and just what is going on in her head?

This is the perfect way to find out about some of the items displayed in her dressing room at Stoke Potteries Museum and Art Gallery and see how they fit into her life, what they mean to her and how she got to be in possession of them.

A very merry Bury weekend!

2011-07-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

Rene La Rouge gets the tickling of her life, all in the name of art of course!

A Very Bury Weekend (25th 26th June) was a great success with a high turn out of people all ready to get involved and take part in the drawing classes, art exchange and live music offered by the local creatives at the Bury's Met and the East Lancashire Railway.

The Met on Saturday

While the likes of Black Jack Barnett serenaded us with old school classics on his banjo and suitcase drum, myself and Rene la Rouge, the other half of The Chantilly Belles, struggled not to giggle too much as we hammed it up in fox and hunter costumes for Dr Sketchy's Anti Art class.

We had a wonderful time modelling for the enthusiastic artists who had come out to draw us in this life drawing class with a difference. Not only did we enjoy posing we were especially pleased that our brand of modelling was so well recieved and inspired some quite brilliant images!

There were warm up excercies, interactive poses and competitions too. Here I am awarding one lucky winner with her prize for her outstanding drawing of us in our Lonely Goatherd costumes:

But the fun didn't stop there, the Sunday saw the art events taking place on steam trains at the East Lancashire Railway. On these fully working trains which chugged happily along all day, passengers were encouraged to knit artwork, listen to live music and take part in drawing activities. While the delightful Fanny Divine modelled on one train as a bearded lady, I modelled on the other as a Victorian passenger, chatting to other travellers as they sketched away. Photos are to follow so sit tight. In the mean time I advise you to check out The Bury Collective on facebook to find out more about the weekend and the other great things the group do!

The Chantilly Belles pose for Dr Sketchy

A Very Bury Weekend

2011-06-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

For those of you who've already recieved my newsletter, you'll be aware of this. But for those of you that don't know, the last weekend of this month will feature A Very Bury Weekend, a fun filled art extravanganva presented by the Irwell Sculpture Trail.

The weekend has been organised by the Bury Collective and I will be involved on both days. The Saturday will see my burlesqye act The Chantilly Belles posing for a special Dr Sketchy alternative drawing class at The Met in Bury.

While, on the Sunday I will be part of an extra unusual drawing class on board the East Lancashire Railways stream train dressed in Victorian inspired costume!

There's even more art events taking place across the weekend and you can come along and join in with any of them for FREE!

So if you live in the area, enjoy art and want a good family friendly free day out come along!

For more information about the weekend contact: dianerickerby@gmail.com

Marilyn?

2011-06-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Something I've been wanting to share for weeks now has been an article I found in Stylist Magazine last month about the launch of Diesel's new Denim Collection Fragrance.

To celebrate the fragrance the brand has launched three exclusive illustrations of iconic denim wearers including James Dean, Kate Moss and that epitomy of glamour, Marilyn Monroe! But try as I might I have had the worst luck finding examples of these illustrations. (If anyone has info please forward it to me!)

There is absolutely nothing I can find on the internet about this new art work, and I am really intrigued to find out the story behind the reimagining of one of the worlds most recognised women; a master of creating herself into an idol, how would you, or could you attempt to update Marilyn?

Well the answer is if it's not broke, don't fix it. As you can see in the picture (the one and only availabe to me) Marilyn stays sexy and oozing glamour. It's a captivating image of her as we've never seen her before, laid back, grungey almost. Modern yet timeless.

The mixture of her signiture hair and makeup mixed with the 'not really trying' t.shirt and jeans gives a look of high fashion. Plus I can't help feeling that seeing her in modern garb, as it were, helps to cement the idea that Marilyn was a real woman and a young person in her own right, more than just the vintage ideal we are used to. In all I think this is a very clever way of selling a brand but also a sucessful portrait. If you care to look beyond the consumerism there is a whole new facet to Marilyn exposed here. It proves just how influential appearances are in a simple and provoking image. I wish I'd thought of it!

Bits and Pieces

2011-05-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

A couple of things to tell you this week!

Firstly, there is now a new mailing list feature on my website which allows you to subscribe to my new newsletter to find out all the latest about exhibitions, art events and more!

Just go to my website and click on 'Mailing List' then click on the link to bring up the subscription form like the one you can see above. My first newsletter covers my year so far and includes upcoming events, so you can be bang upto date! (updates to be posted on this blog soon!)

Other news:

The sixth installment of Mrs Brown's Diary is now online! A blast from the past has caused Mrs Brown's world to turn upside down, however momentary could this encounter have lasting repercussuions? Find out by reading Mrs Brown's Diary, the accompanying story behind and inspired by the vintage dressing room currently on display at Stoke Potteries Museum and Art Gallery!

Mrs Brown's Diary, the shoot

2011-05-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite things ever is making up stories, packaging little moments in time and filling them with characters, happenings and elements of playfulness. I think that's one of things I try to get across in my paintings. They are each snapshots of worlds that maybe existed for real, or maybe just in my head, or maybe a bit of both. When I took Layla to Stoke to model for me as Mrs Brown, the moment she stepped into the dressing room set, a story was taking place before my eyes.

For me it was a lovely moment to behold, like seeing the sun rise at just the right angle through the pillars of Stone Henge or finally getting the shot of a bird you'd been waiting hours to catch a glimpse of. When Layla, in full 1950's regalia, sat in front of the dressing table in the set I had spent months putting together with the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, I felt very, what's the word?... satisfied. Not to mention excited. Here at last was Mrs Brown in her dressing room, interacting with her belongings, acting out her story, making it just that little bit more real!

The whole point of the shoot which took place last Monday, was to continue the theme of telling stories through belongings and objects. Mrs Brown's story has been entirely inspired by the objects I selected from the decorative arts collection during my collaborative project with the museum. Each object has been displayed as part of Mrs Brown's dressing room as an illustration of her life, a snapshot, a moment in time packaged and ready for consumption.

I wanted to photograph the objects with the woman who supposedly owns them to give them even more meaning, and even though my model was very important, it was still the objects themselves which dictated the shots and led the images to tell the story.

It was a small space and very dark in order to preserve the items displayed, so it took some getting used to before both I and Layla managed to ease into the shoot, but I was really happy with the images we got. By keeping Mrs Brown's identity quite anonymous her belongings take over in letting the viewer decide what's happening. The photos will be displayed over the coming months on; www.mrs-browns-diary.blogspot.com and I'll continue announcing when each new installment is posted, head over there now for installments 3, 4 and 5!

Make over heaven

2011-05-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help feeling pleased as I watched Mrs Brown walk through the museum in her elegant purple floral dress. Teetering on T bar heels, her powdered face broke into a smile as she took in the exhibits, showcasing her red lips and fluttering lashes. It was like meeting a pen friend I'd never seen before but finding she fit my imaginary picture of her perfectly.

It was Monday and I was in Stoke to photograph the dressing room set from my collaborative project with the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, but on this visit I had brought my friend Layla with me to model as the mysterious Mrs Brown, the flighty bored young housewife of 1951, a woman whose pursuit of happiness could land her in hot water.

The previous day I had met with Layla to set her hair into pin curls, a very popular style from the forties which had continued to evolve into the fifties creating a new generation of waves and curls seen on the likes of Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. After watching a wonderful video tutorial by Vividmakeup found on youtube (see last post) I had also found evidence in a contemporary article detailing the techniques of how to set your hair fashionably. What struck me most was the effort that went into the preparation for a style that was worn by most women whether they were film stars or just going to the shops and doing the housework. This was serious high standard hair.

Here's how I set Layla's hair:

Firstly I dampend it with water and added a little setting lotion. After combing it through I took a one inch section and coiled it away from the face around two of my fingers, making sure not to twist it. When I had coiled as far as I could get, I pinched the coil off and secured it flat to Layla's head using FLAT hair pins to create a cross.

Here's how it looked as I was working my way around the head. I left the front section loose as this required a different type of curl. Once I had worked my way all around the hair it looked like this;

The crown was left flat so the curls would sit in an authentic style of the early 50's and the front fringe section was curled under and secured in an elevated curl, not flat to the head but sitting proud of the face. The curls were left to set over night with a scarf tied around them for protection. When we got to the museum the next day they were still in place if not a little fuzzy;

We used a dressing room which Princess Anne had used when she came to visit the museum a few years ago. It was in this room I finished the hair styling and applied Laylas' make up. I went of a classic 1950's look, very matte and powdered; soft brown eye shadow all over the lid with a darker brown in the socket.

I lined the upper lid with black liquid liner and added some flirty tipped lashes for a glamorous effect and drew the eyebrows in with a pointed arch. The whole thing was of course finished off with obligatory red lipstick! I went for a pointed look lining the lips first to get the peaks as defined as possible.

Next it was time to finish styling the hair. I unpinned all the curls and brushed them through with my fingers to seperate and loosen them. As you can see from the photo, the pin curls really did their job creating large sausage curls positioned perfectly around the crown.

To create fifties waves I took a barrel brush and began to brush the curls under. Unlike normal curls which should never be messed with, pin curls are designed to be manipulated. They are also very resilient and snapped into place as I brushed them. I used my palms to sculpt the hair as I brushed it under and round, I then pinned the hair back behind the ears for a very feminine style. Lastly I brushed the fringe, whisking it up and back to create a 50's flick that blended in with the rolls of sculpted hair around the sides of the face. At last Mrs Brown was ready for her photo shoot.

The makeover was lots of fun and it was important to get it right as creating an authentic look was just as important as the shoot itself. As Layla stepped into the dressing room set I felt really pleased because she looked like she belonged there. Layla enjoyed working amongst all the vintage items, being a bit of kleptomaniac of vintage items herself, and it was so satisfying to have the right person for the job who understood the brief and looked so perfect for the story. Find out how the shoot went in my next post!...

Dressing Mrs Brown

2011-05-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

I am all a fluster getting plans readied and ideas organised as I am doing a 1951 makeover on a friend of mine who has kindly agreed to model as Mrs Brown for me next Monday!

We are travelling to Stoke to photograph 'Mrs Brown' interacting with the many objects within her dressing room in order to give them new and deeper meaning. My good friend Layla who has modelled for me before as the kitzch receptionist 'Miss How Can I Help You', was the perfect choice as she fits the physical requirements I had in my head of Mrs Brown's size and colouring. Plus as an artist herself she can understand what I am attempting to get from the shoot.

Miss How Can I Help You, acrylic on canvas 2006

The story being unravelled in Mrs Brown's Diary is all based around the many objects found in Stoke's Potteries Museum and Art Gallery's decorative arts collection which were then built into a 1950's dressing room. It was always my aim to tell a story though belongings and with the photographs I hope to emphasise this further by bringing Mrs Brown into the picture but keeping the objects as the main focus. She will almost be an accessory as the objects take the lead and represent different moments of importnace to her

I'm really excited about the makeover as all things cosmetic and hair give me a buzz! I've found an amazing tutuorial for early 50's pin curls, here's the second part showing how to style your curls into a perfect housewife do:

This girl really knows her stuff and after watching the whole tutorial I feel I learnt a lot. To my absolute joy I found the exact same method for pin curls being detailed in a Vogue article from the late forties (Thanks Layla for bringing in your brilliant Vogue book!).

After discussing Mrs Brown's personality and the era with Layla she managed to pull together an outfit that even though not original period clothes, will still look fantastic for the shoot as you can see above. We were looking for something fashion forward for the early 50's. Something with a hint of the full skirt Dior New Look, but also functional enough for a middle class housewife with pretentions to grandeur. With glamourous cosmetics and period hair this outfit will be perfect for the young and flighty Mrs Brown. I will document the entire process, find out how the makeover and shoot go next week!

Aphrodite Les Folies

2011-04-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

There are moments in life that stand out for their perfection, they capture a pinpoint in time where everything seems to meld into something that resonates so strongly with you that it will forever stay in your memory. Seeing Kylie Minogue perform last Saturday was one of those moments.

It would be easy to scoff at my adoration of Kylie, even think I was being ironic or tongue in cheek about her work, but I truely find her inspirational and one of the most creative and driven artists of our time. I get sick of hearing people (especially other artists) trying to justify liking music or t.v or even art that is popular, and therefore deemd to have less artisitic merit, by being sarcastic about it, or worse belittling it when they have just admitted to prescribing to it.

So I am going to say it load and say it proud, I love Kylie Minogue!

Her career is one big study into the power of artifice and femininity, with her ever changing styles, musical paths and narrative themes. It's fair to say the Aphrodite Les Folies Tour did not dissapoint!

Taking inspiration from the title of Kylie's newest album, the show (I think the word 'show' suits it much better than concert) had an ancient greek theme. Smoke curled mystically around the stage of greek columns and arches, and beautiful footage of buff males swirlling underwater accompanied the building choral music. A familiar beat slowly crept in and the audience readied themselves for the appearance of Kylie. But it wasn't Kylie that rose from the floor, it was Aphrodite herself, born of the sea in a giant golden scallop shell...

...OK, it WAS Kylie, but judging by the glory of her entrance and the worship her fans poured onto her I wouldn't be suprised if she really did embody a modern day goddess of love. For Saturday night was one big love in.

As Aphrodite went on a journey of love, wrath and triumph the stage show followed her story, perfectly illustrated by Kylie's hits and new songs. As she sang we were treated to fighting Spartan warriors, celestial spirits and lots and lots of water!

Well known classics were reinterpreted in new and suprising ways; A stand out moment for me was the sultry torchlight rendition of Slow. Words couldn't do it justice, but it was fair to say many of the auidence were blown away and myself and my friends thought it was one of the most magnificent things we had witnessed. Being there as part of the moment was something I'm so glad to have experienced.

There was also perhaps one of the campest things I've ever seen as Kylie mounted the back of a huge muscley angel and flew over the auidence, pure genius, and something only Kylie could get away with. Other treats included a chariot pulled by more brawny dancers in pony play outifts, an appearance by Pegasus and a water themed grand finale that was like seeing a Vargas painting crossed with a Busby Berkley musical come to life!

Once again, the points of reference were breath taking, Miss Minogue really seems to know her stuff mixing ancient myth with vintage glamour and contemporary sub culture in an intellegant and joyful way that will be fuelling my imagination for weeks if not years to come!

An arty March

2011-03-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

I have been lucky enough to attend two very interesting art exhibitions this month. Both were put on by friends of mine and both were very different in content and atmosphere.

The first was the opening of the Bury Collective arts event; a group of artists poets and musicians from and around Bury put together after my friend Diane and her colleage Lee had the idea to put a showcase of local talent together. Held at The Met, the opening night was packed (over 300 people attended!) and full of your intersting art types. I swapped business cards with aspiring writers and singers in bowler hats. There were impromptu art perfomances and fabulous entertaiment by Dr Butler's Hatstand Medicine Band.

Plus the variety and quality of work displayed on the walls of The Met's bar and lounge area was really impressive. The exhibition runs for the next four weeks and is free to all Met patrons. I look forward to seeing what the Bury Collective do next!

My second visit was to a new exhibition by Darren Nixon held at Rogue Studios in Manchester. I've watched Darren's painting style change dramatically over the years (I'm sure he's seen the same with me) and this collection of new paintings was really strong and thought provoking. It's one of those shows that takes you out of everyday normality for a few minutes then kicks you out again with a feeling of wonder and a head full of questions.

By Darren Nixon

The exhibition's title is Obstruction and reflects our views on life and how we understand it. With this work Darren has tried to take himself out of the equation and leave the viewer to make up their own minds. I wanted to say 'Oh I love this one' or 'that one is lovely' but to be honest the work was all slightly unsettling and gave off a feeling of isolation and chaos. Which is exactly why the collection of paintings was so good and did what all good art should, it made me want to look at it.

Painted directly onto abstract backgrounds and alien landscapes, figures have been added and left there to fend for themselves. Each set of people was found in a newspaper and then taken out of context with all clues as to their meaning taken away; A set of cross country skiers now hobbles splaylegged and ski-less through a thick white ground looking like an attack of zombies;

By Darren Nixon

Whilst a group of men standing around a cave entrance could be rescuers or something much more sinister as they peer directly at the viewer, cutting our escape route as we edge closer to the rock wall.

With all links and context taken away I was left to try and figure this out myself.

I like seeing art that challenges me and Obstruction did just that. I didn't know if I was witnessing the innermost thoughts of Darren's mind or simply projecting my own discomfort and confusion onto the canvases. I also like art with a story and with this work there are countless stories being hinted at but no satifying conclusion. If not careful you could be stuck in them forever just like the nameless characters trying to find their way out.

To find out more about Darren's work contact: artbydarrennixon@yahoo.co.uk

It's all going on!

2011-03-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

The first installment of Mrs Brown's Diary is now online! This unfolding story reveals the significance of the items that make up the 1950's dressing room which has been created through my collabortive project with Stoke Pottieres Musuem and Art Galley. The diary is your chance to find out who this character is; the first post covers her visit to the Grand Re-opening of the Theatre Royal in Hanley and introduces her relationship with George her husband, but just why is he so upset?

Last Saturday was the official first day of dressing room display and to mark the occassion a local burlesque performer called Lottie Applejack dressed in period costumes did a piece in the dressing room based around transformation which ties in well with my theme of artifice and the project's title, Making faces.

Photo by Craig Berry

My project has also inspired other creative outlets! Members of City Voices writers group based in Hanley were invited by the museum to produce their own responses to the items from the Making Faces display and also other museum pieces from the same period picked out by myself. The result was a very ecelctic mixture of poetry and short stories. Here's two of my favourites which have really captured the essence of the objects and the era :

Rationed Reflections

Getting ready for a night of theatre,

A film, a dance, a romance.

Take night off from the week

For the war is still fresh in memory

In all young and old

And rationing still carried

But you do your best.

Improvement and alter the gown dress,

With ideas of the society magazines.

Pictures and varied types and varied tips,

From halls of Paris’s fashion houses,

To stars of West End and Hollywood.

A break from that time before,

And now a modern twist,

With compacts of small design,

Fit neatly into the purse,

Nylons from across the Atlantic,

Hard to find at this time.

Picture of the returning sweetheart,

Returned from the continent,

From aiding in Europe.

Soon the alarm will chime,

And it will be theatre time.

Martin Wilkes

A Rare Night Out

She sat before the mirror

Everything was to hand.

Powder puff and perfume

They made her feel so grand.

Her husband had bought tickets

For the Theatre Royal show.

Just a dab of lipstick,

Now she was ready to go.

“The taxi’s here, my darling”

Her husband called to say.

She hurried down to join him

Then they were on their way.

She wore the pearls he’d bought her.

Snd her high heels too.

She felt like a lady

Attending a posh ‘do’.

They didn’t have much money

So treats like these were rare

But oh, how good they made her feel –

Like dancing on air.

Set up day!

2011-03-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was set up day at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke! After months of preparation and research, the collaborative project between myself and the museum has been put on display!

The final display has turned out to be extremely beautiful, thanks to the variety of original vintage pieces found in the museum's archives. It felt really satifying to see them all together for the first time and place them in the display, knowing that not only do they all have part to play in constucting my projects character they are also going to be viewed by the public after spending years in storage.

Each item had to be handled carefully (hence the fetching purple latex gloves). It took a bit of trial and error before everything looked right, but I had a rough idea where I wanted everything to be, plus not everything that had been chosen got used in the end. The space could only hold so many items and also I didn't want to clutter the display and compromise the hidden story with too many objects.

Some items had been specially selected to be displayed seperately to focus on specific themes. This plinth for instance holds the original programme from the Grand Re-opening of the Theatre Royal from 1951. Around it are items from the character Mrs Brown's outfit. The display sets the scene for the rest of the dressing room and helps to illustrate what a posh event the re-opening was to the people of Stoke. I especially enjoyed putting these items together as the final outcome looks so good! (There will be a pair of opera glasses attached to this plinth so that you can zoom in on some of the smaller pieces on top of the dressing table!)

Stoke on Trent Museums What's on guide for February - March 2011

It took months of sourcing for the museum and visits and research for me to get to the day of set up. I've really enjoyed the project; It's allowed me to gain more knowledge about one of my favourite eras. I've learnt about social aspects, fashion, entertaiment and the local history of Stoke in the post war period!

But it doesn't end here! Whilst the project is on display I will be posting Mrs Brown's Diary on a brand new blog: http://mrs-browns-diary.blogspot.com/ . Here you will be able to find out the secret life of Mrs Brown, find out who she is and what the items in her dressing room mean to her.

Plus over the six months the dressing room is on display I will be continuing the project by interacting with the set, photo sessions and some new paintings based around Mrs Brown's story! Make sure you come along to view it all!

The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery,
Bethesda Street, Cultural Quarter,
Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3DW
Telephone: 01782 232323
Minicom: 01782 232515
E-mail: museums@stoke.gov.uk

Open: Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 2 - 5pm
Admission: FREE.

Susie Sequin T shirt

2011-03-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

Last year I painted a caricature for burlesque performer Susie Sequin. She has now had my work turned into an exclusive T shirt available in mens and womens sizes and styles! To get your own contact Suzie at misssuziesequin@hotmail.co.uk

The lost Pleasure Palaces

2011-03-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to find information and photos about The Theatre Royal in Hanley for my dressing room project. This collaborative work with Stoke Pottieries Museum and Art Gallery has been interesting for so many reasons; One of my favourite things has been finding out about the history of Stoke, a place one half of my family came from and partly still live.

I've been specifically looking up information about The Theatre Royal as the dressing room set will be focused around it's 'Grand Re-opening' which occured on 14th August 1951. The museum has an original programme from the night which is very impressive, all expensive cream card and gold embossing on it's cover. You can imagine just how exciting and important this night would have been to the people of Stoke. At a time when entertainment was so popular that it wasn't unusual for towns to have several cinemas and theatres, this grand re-opening would have been a social event not to be missed!

The term 're-opening' is important to remember. Only three years earlier a tragic fire destroyed the entire auditorium of the original theatre leaving only the perimeter walls standing. It is said that the Sadler's Wells Ballet Company who were performing there at the time lost almost the entire production; costumes, scenery, props and the whole collection of musical instruments. Whilst the flames consumed backstage the theatre manager, fearing the loss of important documents, dived into the burning building in his pyjamas and overcoat to save them!

It seems it wasn't just the manager who valued the Royal and what it held. In 1950 the people of Stoke handed a petition with over 50,000 signitures to the Minister of Works asking for permission to build a new theatre. This was post war Britian and building of any kind had to be essential to go ahead. However perhaps out of a sense of public feeling, permission was granted and, like the old legend, a new version of the theatre rose from the ashes.

It re-opened with much pomp and circumstance, the residents of Stoke donning their best outfits and evening wear to enjoy the opening ceremony performed by the The Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire. This was followed by a rousing production of 'Annie Get Your Gun' performed by Newcastle's Operatic Society. There were also several messages of good luck from well known stars of the time including Stoke on Trent's own Gertie Gitana, a music hall entertainer and peoples favourite who was dubbed the Force's sweetheart during the first world war.

A press clipping for the night shows a group including officials and their wives and children standing next to a smiling cowgirl and cowboy holding huge bouquets. With such auspicious celebrations and so much support for the new venture it shocked and confused me to find out that by 1954 audiences had declined to such an extant that the building was sold off to Moss Empires. Perhaps the growing popularity of Television was to blame for this lack of interest?

Like many small town theatres and cinemas the Royal became a bingo hall for a number years. Evidence of simliar fates can be spotted in many locations if you look for them. In my home town for instance, the bingo hall by the bus station was once one of eight cinemas dotted about the little market town in the 1950's, but more of that later.

What I'm after now is a sense of the grandeur of the re-built Theatre Royal. The character, Mrs Brown, whose dressing room I am to construct and who 'attended' the re-opening event will have been caught up in the excitement and would have revelled in the newness of the building. But what was it like?

If you look for the Theatre Royal on the internet you will find a few outside photos of the frontage. I personally like this flyer from the museum archives which has a great sense of glamour and bustle, I imagine if they could have added huge Hollywood style floodlights pointing to the sky they would! I think this may have been before the re-opening as the building now does not have the pointed top just a flat roof, or it could be that during the theatre's varied history the facade changed as much as the place's purpose.

There is a wonderfully helpful facebook group page called 'I loved the Theatre Royal Hanley Stoke on Trent' where I have found several interior shots showing stage productions and backstage areas which have a certain amount of poignancy to them now. The best shots I've seen for giving an idea of what it was like to be a visitor to the theatre show typical tiered red plush seating, stalls and cirlces and decorated relief work around the stage.

Photo copyright of Ian Grundy

After all this you might be wondering what happened to the Theatre Royal. Well it's fair to say it has had a turbulant history what with fires re-openings and bingo, it then lay empty for a year before theatre enthusiasts re-opened it again in 1982. But that wasn't the happy ending the theatre deserved; The building closed again after going into liquidation in 1996 and most of it's original fittings and contents were auctioned off. Then just when it seemed there couldn't be any hope for the Royal in 1997 a millionnaire businessman, Mike Lloyd, bought the theatre and began a 1.2 million refurbishment completely rewiring the venue and replacing the seats in the stalls so that they could be removed for stand up rock and pop concerts. A new crest was even placed over the stage in full glory. The theatre held yet another re-opening that year with comedian Ken Dodd doing the honours. Hooray I hear you cry! But hold on, there's more...

Just when it seemd the Theatre Royal was well and truely back, Mike Lloyds' business empire collapsed along with his ownership of the building. In 2001 the council of Stoke on Trent gave planning permission for the building to be turned into a nightclub. The circle and stage have been destroyed, the seating ripped out and the theatre now functions as a bar for 'Jumpin Jaks'. I feel this is a sorry end for a place which inspired so much hope and promise in it's first reincarnation. What would Mrs Brown think?

Gone but not forgotten:

During my research into Stoke on Trent's theatre, I couldn't help but be reminded about the rich history of cinemas and theatres around the places I live. As mentioned before these palaces still exist if you only look for them, their ghosts still haunt our towns;

This is Hulme Hippodrome in Manchester which opened in 1901, a theatre set in the square, similar in design to the Theare Royal in Hanley. It also served it's time as a bingo hall during the 60's and although this magnificent building still stands it now largely unused, lost amongst the redevelopment and new houses of the area. It is on Manchester City Council's 'At Risk' Register.

This is another Theatre Royal, this time situated in Hyde Greater Manchester. This building holds particular personal interest to me as I remember seeing films there when I was little, even then it was mostly empty, but I loved sitting in the circle looking over it's velvet padded edge and feeling the vastness of the place. There is a painting by Harry Rutherford in Hyde Library's Rutherford Gallery which shows the building in it's glory days; chorus girls dancing on the stage and lime lights twinkling. (Is it suprising this my favourite painting in the gallery?).

In 2007 I attended an open day and along with a group of other intrigued people I took a stroll around the theatre's dark empty interior, a very affecting experience for many reasons I think you'll understand. You can take a virtual tour around the building HERE.

The theatre is now listed with plans for surveys towards restoration thanks to the efforts of The Theatre Royal Onwards Team

Another theatre/cinema masquerading as something else. This Quality Save in Hyde used to be The Hippodrome. I've never seen it as anything but a supermarket but it's tell tale shape is a giveaway to a more glamorous past.

You can find out about the history of the building and the family behind it HERE.

It would seem from looking at these photos that no-one appreciates the pleasure palaces of old these days, but that is where I can give this post a happy ending at last!

Last year some of you may remember I visited the Plaza in Stockport. A classic example of an entertainment palace from a bygone era, but in this instance, it is a fully working cinema and theatre, showing vintage films and a variety of plays, pantomimes and music events. It is beautiful inside down to the last detail and a real pleasure to be inside. It proves that sometimes the old styles are the best, and sometimes there's nothing we need more then a break from the modern world.

Dressing room update!

2011-02-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

The chosen dress

I haven't written anything yet about my collaborative project with Stoke Potteries Museum and Art Gallery this year! So I thought I better update you and tell you how things are progressing;

My last visit to the museum was in December where we were putting together the outfit to be displayed in Mrs Brown's dressing room set. If you remember, Mrs Brown is the character inspired by our many finds in the museum's decorative arts collection. A woman of the early 1950's (late 1940's overlap) with a penchant for movies, fashion and fun, a young vivacious dreamer married to an older staid gentleman. A woman with a normal life to outward appearances but with dreams and secrets upon closer inspection of her belongings.

The intention of this project is to illustrate a story using belongings whilst celebrating femininity and artifice at the same time. The artifice of the dressing table and the artifice of the public persona.

After happily trawlling through boxes of beautiful vintage gowns and underwear (some of it not so beautiful, see The Beast, a rubber girdle, for example) and deliberating over shoes and accessories, myself and Laura, the museum's Documentation Assisitant, have whittled down an outfit fit to grace the girlsih dramatic ideals of Mrs Brown.

The dress which has been chosen came out top after much deliberation; firstly I wanted something 'young' and glamorous yet quite formal and dressy as the set revolves around an invite to Hanley's Grand Re-opening of the Theatre Royal

I had three dresses in mind and had to choose what would suit the character and situation best. One dress was too large in size to fit the idea of the flighty naive Mrs Brown, and the other although bright and eye catching didn't have the umph factor for an exclusive evening in town!

Too large, although you can't tell it from the photo this dress is a size 16

I initially bypassed the (now) chosen frock as I thought it might be too dressy for a young middle class woman living in Stoke in 1951. However it seems the dress's true history helped me to make my mind up as it was bought in a sale at Marshall & Snellgrove. This made it seem much more believable as an option as this was exclusive store with the new sensation of ready to wear lines. Plus I was sent this wonderful press cutting about the Grand Re-opening, and as you can see everyone was dressed up to the nines!

The next decision was accesories, Laura sent me some fabulous items to choose from and in the end I've chosen these shoes from the early 1950's:

And a glamorous fur stole and classy jewellery which wouldn't look out of place on a film star, so would certainly appeal to a film fanatic like Mrs Brown. The evening bag is yet to be decided. It's been tough trying to find one in the collection which will complement the rest of the ensemble, I'll keep you posted:

These items will be arranged around the dressing room to illustrate Mrs Brown's return from the big night, her stole and shoes discarded and her gown hung up once again. Of course a lady would have to have some foundation to these garments and her underwear and stockings will also take a place in the set. So far I have chosen these unmentionables to make an appearance:

The suspender belt from this photo accompanied by a peach strapless bustier

Something else was brought to my attention whilst sorting out ideas for the set and display cases. It seems the dress which will be used has had it's pink fins added after purchase as tiny hand stitches can be seen holding them in place. This fits wonderfully well with the notion of the make do and mend generation of the time, but also illustrates another point; Mrs Brown is a keen follower of fashion, eager to emmulate her favourite actress or singer in the glamour stakes and as mentioned before in this blog could have easily been one of the many women who used dress patterns to spruce up her wardrobe.

It was decided that to convey this idea one of the small display cases next to the dressing room set will contain sewing materials. Laura found this adorable etui from the correct era in the museum's collection along with this fabulous Balmans pattern 'Designed in Paris'. Paris being the epicentre of cutting edge fashion and of especial interest to Mrs Brown this pattern is spot on, also I think the shape is not a million miles away from our chosed dress, what a find!

As things begin to draw towards the date of completion I am busy pulling all the information togehter about the items we've discovered, the magazines of the time and the various references to the local area and popular culture of the era so that Mrs Brown's hidden story will be ready for discovery!

During the exhibition of the dressing room set 'Mrs Brown's Diary' will be published online in a brand new blog to accompany the project. This will be a first person account into her daily life focused around the 14th August 1951, the night of the Grand Re-opening! Here you will find out where her love of films and fashion stems from, why she married her husband, and who the mysterious man in the photo hidden in her handbag is... Not to mention various peeks into her private thoughts and passions which will be hinted at through the items displayed in her dressing room.

Interview on Cornerhouse Podcast

2011-02-16T05:58:00.000-08:00

It was the night of the private view for The People You're Not exhibition, it was crammed, noisey and fabulous! You can hear my chat about working on the show at 6:30 mins. There is also lots of juicey info and tidbits about the Cornerhouse films and projects, so well worth a listen!

Cornerhouse Podcast 03Feb2011 by CornerhouseMCR

Don't miss the exhibition!

The People You're Not runs until the 27th Feb

Cornerhouse

70 Oxford St

Manchester

Galleries open:

Tuesday – Saturday : 12:00 - 20:00
Sunday : 12:00 - 18:00

The People You're Not private view!

2011-01-31T10:16:00.000-08:00

Standing next to my work 'The Wedding Supper or Till Decree Nisi do we Part'

Last Friday saw the result of weeks of hard work, going slightly crazy and mass sleep deprivation. It was the private view for the exhibition The People You're Not! A chance to see the proposed ideas of three very different artists realised by other artists. My work was part of Harry Hill's proposed idea; To recreate George Cruikshank's The Worship of Bacchus Using Known Alchoholics.

I was extra chuffed that all the artists involved got to take part in a special participant's meal before the VIP launch. So after stuffing our faces and making small talk about chick peas we filed into the gallery to be greeted with our first views of the finished show.

I was so impressed to see all our illustrations made as if by magic (and a bit of manic cutting and gluing by Bren O Callaghan the project producer) into the 3D toy theatres that now stand on their plinths.

Everyone's work looks absolutley brilliant, there is such a diversity of styles and themes that I couldn't choose a favourite, but was bowled over by each of them. There are zombie literary icons frolicking among the tombstones of sobriety, headless boozers living it up next to their plinthed heads and a toga party full of reprobates not to mention a chinese restaurant I don't think I'll be visiting any time soon!

Shane McGowan Bender and Kerry Katona raise a glass to the happy couple

My own work is the pantomine themed Wedding Supper (or Til Decree Nisi do we Part), a romance without any of the romance. My characters stand around getting slaughtered amongst the dirty laundry of Window Twanky's laundrettte, toasting the unpleasant bride and groom while the press happily snap away at them.

Tommy Cooper pours gin on his cereal (not made up, he actually did this!) While Dame Elton John looks on the bride and groom with motherly pride

The event was publicised earlier that day in the Manchester Evening News too which was great!

The exhibition runs until the 27th February at the Cornerhouse and is an accessable fun show that can be enjoyed by anyone with a passing interest in celebrity culture and of course... booze!

The People You're Not

Cornerhouse

70 Oxford Rd

Manchester

Gallery opening times:

Mondays : Closed
Tuesday – Saturday : 12:00 - 20:00
Sunday : 12:00 - 18:00

The People You're Not - @CornerhouseMcr : Cornerhouse 29th Jan - 27th Feb

2011-01-24T07:28:00.000-08:00

The People You're Not - at Cornerhouse from Cornerhouse on Vimeo.

This Friday 6-9pm, is the private view to this fab exhibition and the chance to see my work for real! There's a certain sloshed glamour not to missed! If you miss the private view the show runs until 27th Feb.

The People You're Not
28th Jan - 27th feb

Cornerhouse
70 Oxford Rd
Manchester

The People You're Not

2011-01-18T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hi peeps! A belated happy new year to you all! There has been a good reason for my tardiness in posting recently and it's one I've not really told anyone about, but, ooh it is good!

Just before Christmas I was invited to take part in an exhibition at the Cornerhouse gallery in Manchester, which was draw enough in itself, but the idea for the work was proposed by Harry Hill. Yes, THE Harry Hill, he of TV Burp fame and such. Being a fan I jumped at the chance to participate. Here's the scoop, it's complex so pay attention:

Last year the Cornerhouse hosted an exhibiton called Unrealised Potential, an inventive show where artists submitted ideas for unmade work which was then put up for sale at £50 each and contractually had to be realised within a two year period. The show blurred the line between artist, public and curator allowing anyone to buy the ideas and fulfil the brief as they chose.

One of the ideas was put forward by Harry Hill, a little known artist in his own right, and consequently bought by art producer and curator Bren O' Callaghan. The idea was a simple title; To re-create George Cruikshank's The Worship of Bachus using known alcoholics.

That is where I came in, I am one of seven artists realising Hill's idea. But how? Have you seen Cruikshank's The Worship of Bachus? It's huge and contains hundreds of figures.
Bren came up with the clever solution of looking at the seperate tableaus within the work and re-creating them in the style of Victorian toy theatres. It was the layers of perspective that inspired him; just like the layers of set and scenary within a toy theatre.

What I especially like about this idea is that it hits upon themes I am interested in. Cruikshank was a lethal satirist (paid by some well known figures of his time NOT to draw them!) Burlesque took hold in the music halls of Victorian Britain and started life as saucy satire, mimicking and mocking the upper classes. This was the beginning of the bawdy knowing humour found in burlesque right through to today. (The stripping element came a bit later when it transferred to America). A toy theatre is the perfect platform to reference the burlesque aspect of the project.

Detail of The Worship of Bachus showing The Wedding Supper by George Cruikshank

The tableau I have concentrated on is The Wedding Supper (or Til Decree Nisi do we Part) a romantic scene... with booze. The twist to the theme is that of a celebrity wedding, the likes of which you find in OK Magazine and Hello! The comely bride, bridegroom and guests replaced by a sozzled Kerry Katona, Shane McGowan Tommy Cooper and the Queen of camp herself Liza Minellii to name but a few!

My drawing of Kerry Katona as a glazed Cinders

Not only were we re-creating the characters, we were given free rein to re-design the background and set. Mine is panto themed and I chose to set the event in Widow Twanky's laundry, using undies and socks as gay bunting. But the clothes are soiled; you know the saying of airing your dirty laundry in public? Well that's what these celebs are doing. Right from the go, the introduction of gin, champagne and beer has corrupted the idea of true romance turning it into a media circus instead. My procenium arch features Venus doing her best to spread the love, but being hampered by the drunken antics of her cupids.

Detail of the pencil sketch for my take on the toy theatre's procenuim arch

I have really enjoyed working on this project and putting together a scene of debauched fun. I've loved referencing the boozy antics of some well loved and maybe not so well loved characters. The joy will be seeing the finished thing actually constructed as a giant toy theatre alongside the other artists' tableaus. The complete set of six theatres will grace the Cornerhouse from Jan 29th until Feb 27th

To find out more and see some of the other artists creations see Bren's blog, which has covered the process of this project from the start.

Also as I was writing this an article has been published in The Art Newspaper about the show, check it out!

The People You're Not

Cornerhouse
70 Oxford St Manchester
29th Jan - 27th Feb
Private View 6-9pm 28th Jan

Mrs Brown's wardrobe

2010-12-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

So sweet, maybe too good to be true, a frilly cotton set of underwear found in the decorative arts collection in Stoke

After much drooling I managed to pull myself together enough to share the photos from Tuesday's visit to Stoke Potteries Museum and Art Gallery! These pictures don't really do the garments I saw justice. To see a picture is one thing, but to see the clothes up close is another thing entirely. They are almost like time capsules, in that they embody times gone by and individual pasts.

Some had hand stitching and repairs and some still had the original price tages still attached. But all were of interest:

The first thing we looked at were dresses from the correct era, late Forties, early Fifties. I was looking out for the distinctive influence of Dior's 'New Look'; The nipped in waist and full skirt. But many of the dresses, though beautiful, were still boxy and focused on the shoulders.

This blue number had a high neck and lovely detailing on the shoulders

Quite unassuming at first glance I think this red dress would have been stunning when worn. It has a high neck and would give the wearer an elegant column shape. Very film star!

I felt very drawn to this hot peach dress for the character of Mrs Brown. Although is isn't as up to date as I'd have liked, the colour is quite unusual and the material is light and floaty, fun and young. The skirt is slightly fuller than the other dresses, maybe this dress is on the verge of the 'New Look' revolution?

Some of the other dresses were very much evening attire and were very stylish. When looking for the brand label I was impressed to see many of them had been hand stitched and were obvioulsy hand made, maybe from patterns found in magazines like those found in Vogue. It highlighted how common it was to sew your own back in those days as off the peg clothes were still relatively new and seamtresses were for the well off. But that didn't stop some women creating some exquisite designs!

This long evening gown has a full skirt and a focus on the bust area. It came with a little cropped jacket. When we looked inside, there was obvious stitching holding the strips of sequins in place. The kind of stitching done at home, certainly not a seamtress or machine.

Another beautiful example of hand stitching. This dress had no makers label. Here you can see a definate direction towards the 50's with a halter neck, emphasis on waist and full skirt!

This dress really stood out for me. Not only is it stunning, it strides both decades perfectly. You can see the Paris influence and it has a bold and young pattern. I love the pink satin fins which draw attention to the waist. It's very stylish. I was worried it might be too posh for Mrs Brown, maybe beyond her means but I have been told that the dress was purchased at a sale at Marshall and Snelgrove, a department store that by the 1950's was losing business and eventually merged with the company which eventually became Debhanams.

Another example of fabulous evening attire! This dress was from the Heiress brand. Although this sounds quite upper class I'm told by the museum it was similar to the Horrocks label in that it sold affordable off the peg fashion. A strong contender for Mrs Brown's outfit.

We also looked at 1950's cocktail dresses. These, though gorgeous, were too advanced for the era of the project, but they were worth taking photos of just so you can see!

The skirt of this dress was so stiff it stood out on it's own with a built in crinoline!

This dress evoked much sighing when it was discovered. It is simply a dream frock, layers and layers of floatly white in a girly prom style. The bodice is boned and the skirt is very full and soft. It is screaming to be put on and adored!

Next came underwear. I was looking for suspenders, bras, and slips. The slips let me tell you were a real suprise treat!
Wartime and rationing; you'd expect very simple unembellished articles. Not pink, frivolous numbers and silky peach Utility!

This peach slip bears the Utility label. Most of the Utility slips we found were of the same style, simple yet suprisingly pretty

The shop ticket was still attached to this slip which was in perfect condition!

A very girly touchable slip, with a full petticoat, perfect for those full Dior style skirts

This was certainly the find of the day! A pink gorgeous slip made by a brand called Movie Star. The Museum's archives tells it was brought over from America during the war! A present from a soldier? A black market accquision? Or an overseas gift from a family member?

An advert for the USA brand Movie Star. The company later changed it's name to Stardust, and the founders even went on to create a modelling accademy and talent agency! With such emphasis on glamour and elegance inspired by the famous women of the silver screen I can see Mrs Brown being enchanted with this idea and being very happy to own a bonafide American item of clothing so closely associated with the movies she so loves!

Some of the underwear wasn't quite so evocative. Upon our searches we found a huge rubber girdle, complete with lacing and a strong unpleasant smell of old rubber. But this was joined by more refined undies; boned all in ones and bullet bras. Not to mention a lovely frilly set of knickers, like something from a 50's dream:

The Beast, as it became known that day! This was a seriously big rubber girdle!

In complete contrast, small boned slip which would have given a refined shape

A mesh girdle with bra in one

Big knickers, not just somehting from Bridget Jones then.

It's difficult to see here but this bra was a classic vintage pointy shape

I enjoyed these wooly all in ones. It's easy to forget that during the austere times of war and after a pair of warm undies like these would have been very welcome. In fact they were common across all classes with adverts for ladies wool underwear being found in Vogue magazines of the period.

My head is full of ideas from this wonderfull collection of clothes! I now have to decide what would best suit Mrs Brown, and work in her dressing room set. Some more research I think and I'll be there, I already have some favourites, but it's not about what I'd like, it's what would fit the story of Mrs Brown the best given her character and circumstances. I'll let you know how it goes.

P.S once I've decied on the outfit and underwear, we can start to build on her accessories; hats, gloves, jewellery and shoes!

The woman behind the outfit

2010-12-08T05:32:00.000-08:00

It's time to start putting a face to the character of my dressing room set project with Stoke Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

I can't keep calling her 'the character' and to be honest she has really started to take shape over the past few weeks. Reading the magazines of her era has really put the objects we've found in the decorative arts collection into perspective. The irony is we will never see her face, or really know what she looks like, and I kind of like that mystery. What we will see is her style, her tastes and how she lives her life illustrated through her dressing room.

We know she's young, married and sociable. She's a film fanatic, adores the movie stars and dreams she can be like them. She, like many women from that era, was starved of new fashion for years both by the restrictions on materials and fripperies and by her social situation. So like many others she followed vicariously through magazines and films, reproducing and customising items if she could.

Next week I will have the opportunity of viewing the clothes, underwear and accessories that are housed in the decorative arts collection of the museum and making some decisions as to what she would wear. In the meantime I have been looking into ladies fashion from the late 1940's early fifties to try and find her style.

A McCall's pattern from 1948 were you can see the influence of Dior's New Look; a wider skirt and emphasis on the waist

I can see her wearing young clothes and trying to incorporate the latest fashions where she can. As Scarlett O Hara's mother said, 'It's only natural to want to look young and be young when you are young' and this statement could sum up her outlook on life too. Married to an older man perhaps she feels fashion is her defining feature, to keep hold of her identity?

The sailor style from the mid to late Forties, note the hats and gloves

A Hollywood Pattern pantsuit, very modern!

Fashions associated with Hollywood and the film industry would appeal to her immensely. In 1947 Horrocks Fashions Ltd (based in North England) was beginning to produce simple off the peg cotton dresses promoted by British film stars. Horrocks had read the public's craving for newness and change. One of the reasons for using cotton was that it had been seen as second rate material for so long during the austere war years. Now it was being publicised as a real fashion item to boost sales in Britain.

A long evening version of the Horrocks dress style

The Horrocks styles were dynamic and new, featuring yet again the narrow waist and full skirt which followed the Paris fashions. The prints were fun, colouful and bright. You can certainly see the embryoic style of the stereotypical 50's housewife in them. One of their selling features was the high quality of the fabric that was easy to iron and take care of.

Other clothes:
Stockings would have been hard to get hold of which leaves an opening again for dealings with the black market (see my last post) and fraternizing with possible unsavoury characters.

Hats and headscarves remained a popular accessory during and after the war. Headscarves were firstly used as a practicality for women working in the factories to keep their hair safe from machinary, but the style caught on and crossed all classes becoming a staple item for all. Even the Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, became known for wearing her headscarf tied under the chin.

Gloves were still big news and completed an outfit. There was still a definate ettiquette too. A 1948 edition of Vogue offered an article on gloves stating:

'Modern usage holds that gloves should be worn on occasions such as these: going to a formal luncheon, dinner, reception, or dance; in the streets of large towns and cities; going to and from church; going to official receptions or entertainments...a woman should always take off her gloves before she starts smoking, playing cards, eating, drinking or putting on make-up.'

I think my character would have adhered to these simple rules to try and define herself amongst other woman, especially if she read it in Vogue!

I'm not sure what we will find in the collection next week but I now have an idea to work towards in a sense of colours and personality. Oh and before I forget, her name... ... it's Mrs Brown.

Strike the pose!

2010-12-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

Last week I was lucky enough to visit the Betty Smithers Collection at Staffordshire University in Stoke as part of my research for the dressing table project with Stoke Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

Behind an unassuming door at the end of a short corridor there thrives a collection of vintage goodies just waiting for someone to look at them and discover their secrets! Mannequins stand to attention around the floor all gussied up in sequins and crepe, whilst excitable students flock in and out asking, always asking for more information about the items hidden away.

Our visit however took us into the heart of the periodicals. I was there to see the Vogue magazines of the 1940's and 50's! What a treat! Further to my investigations into reading materials for the average working class, middle class woman of the late 40's early 50's I was eager to see what other publications a girl might read.

Last visit it was Home Notes, a modest little edition like the vintage equivalent of Woman's Own. The everywoman magazine that covered everything from making the perfect gravy to how to wear a hint of fur. But as the character of my project has ambitions and a tendancy to dream I wanted to see how the other half might have lived, and see just how much she might have been able to aspire to!

My first problem though was just how and why would she get her hands on a copy of Vogue? Well, lets think: I don't live in Milan and have Heidi Klum as a bff but that doesn't stop me from wanting to read all about these things in todays upmarket glossies, and I think that the same could be said for millions of women around the world from all different backgrounds. So why not a woman from the late 1940's?

That leaves how; Rationing is still happening, and make do and mend is the buzz line everyone keeps hearing. My girl isn't rich and leads a fairly simple existence (at least on surface it seems that way ;) ) so how could she get her hands on THE fashion bible of the upper class?

My first inclination was to think of the back market. Knowing the right people for undercounter dealings could get you perfume, nylons maybe even a copy of Vogue. (The fabulous magazine The Chap currently has an edition out themed around Spiv's, those dodgy gentlemen with the pencil moustaches and big overcoats. It's definately worth a read if you're interested in the diamond in the rough types throughout the ages.)

But Ruth, the Design Collection Manager at the university had another simpler explantion. She told me how her mother used to clean for a wealthy woman during the rationing era, and was given her old copies of Vogue when she had finished with them. Handmedowns, a nice solution, I like both scenarios as they highlight different situations and stories.

Vogue

So, back to the actual magazine; I decided to look at two editions in the end, one from 1949, and one from 1952, this being the latest in the time bracket of the project's story. Being a fan of old movies and vintage fashion my whole life, opening the first page was like unlocking a secret door where I was allowed access to the things the first owner of that magazine saw, and being able to put myself in her place!

Firstly, nothing has changed, there were pages and pages of adverts for high class goods before you got to any actual articles. Fortnum and Mason, Cartier and Hunt and Roskell, purveyors to the royal family, all took it in turns to show off.

Paris

When I did get to the articles they were fabulous! 'Vogue says choose a coat with an easy manner' (incidentaly these coats were priced at £8 9s 2d, £192 by today's standards) and 'Living in the lowlands with Major and Mrs Telfor-Smollett'. There were articles about opera and Vogue's Spotlight introducing an interesting up and coming novelist named Truman Capote. Between these few and far between features were fashion shoots in London and Paris.

In fact Paris plays a major part in all the magazines I've seen from this era. Paris was the epitomy of fashion, to say the word Paris was to conjure up ideals of cutting edge contemporary design! Even Picture Post had features on the new looks.

1949 Picture Post feature on Paris fashions: 'Please concentrate on your hemlines'!

1949 Vogue sets the trend with a feature 'Paris great evenings'

Here I must digress and expalin a little of fashion history:
Between 1941-52 the Utility Sheme was set up, rationing clothing to the basic essentials in style, no excess material or accessories and only getting new clothes if absolutely essential. Fashions were very restricted and didn't move forward for years and buying clothes depended on how many coupons you had.

An advert in Vogue touting Aristoc stockings to the 'coupon wise' shopper

Then as if a ray of sunshine broke throught the fashion clouds Dior introduced his 'New Look' in 1947. This style abandoned all pretence of moderation and championed a full skirt springing from a tiny sinched in waist. His style became iconic and the aspiration of all fashion loving women whether they could afford the real thing or emmulate it. The focus was back on French fashion.

Beauty and living

Another feature I particulary enjoyed reading was the 'Beauty Routine' which listed tips to be followed both daily and yearly for the upkeep of a perfect visage. Tips included a weekly facial and manicure and to use eye pads at the end of the day 'before a gala evening'.

This highly privileged lifestyle was further advocated by the helpful stockists and salons listed at the back of the magazine. All your needs can be catered for including corsets and lingerie, kennels and hairdressing. If you need you pearls restrung or a continental furrier look no further!

Patterns

One of my favourite things to be found in the Vogues were the Vogue Patterns. These were very popular as they gave women the chance to make up their own versions of styles seen within the magazine (if not them then their dressmakers at least).

There is an insightful section in the 1949 edition describing how due to the paper shortage at the beginning of the war the Vogue pattern book had to be incorporated into the magazine but with a 'slightly increased paper allowance' it could now be published seperately.

I think the pattern is a wonderful opportunity for my character to feel she is immersing herself in a more fashionable classier world! and it's certainly a viable option for her to make up her own desiner outfit on a budget.

Adverts

Adverts are brilliant sign of the times and can tell you a lot about the era they appeared in. Adverts featured throughout all the magazines I looked through, and it was interesting to compare them in different publications:

It's easy to guess which is which, Vouge was all about the luxury goods, whereas Picture Post illustrates an existence with more concerns

Certain adverts jumped out as they displayed items from Stoke museum's decorative arts and social history collections, and it was fascinating to see that some brands like Yardley were advertised in both luxury magazines like Vogue and general magazines like Picture Post. Also perfumes like Coty, a pretty general product were advertised in Vogue too. I'm sure my character would have been thrilled that she owns some!

Keeping the project's character in mind other products caught my eye as they glorified Hollywood and the movie stars of the time

Hollywood jewellery anyone? Yes please! Advert found in Picture Post

Another wonderful product giving you the chance to be as charming and fascinating as those movie actresses. Advert found in Vogue

I have to admit it, I think if I was around in the late 40's early 50's I'd be copying the French fashions as best as I could, I'd be dousing myself in Coty and following the privileged lives of the Telfor-Smolletts whilst wearing my Hollywood jewellery (you can't distinguish it from the real thing!). Things aren't so very different between then and now... People love to dream and love to be sold the ideal of a lifestyle. I've found it so interesting finding out just how far a girl could copy that lifestyle within her limited means.

Grotto

2010-12-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

It's now December and I can officially mention Christmas!!! So if you revving yourself up into a festive shopping frenzy (it can happen!) drop into Grotto on Manchester's Oldham St where I have several works for sale!

Detail from 'The Devil to Pay'

Grotto is a pop-up artists shop-cum-gallery-space in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and is currently stocking a fine selection of arts and crafts from home grown talent including limited edition wrapping paper and cards to one off canvases and art works at low prices!

Not only that but Grotto doubles as a gig venue in the evening where you can catch some amazing live music, whats not to love? You can follow Grotto on Twitter or Facebook

Grotto: 88 Oldham St Manchester United Kingdom M4 1LF
Mon -Sun 12-8pm

Got a light?

2010-11-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

The perfect accessory, Marlene made smoking sexy

During my last visit to the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery at Stoke while viewing the branded items for the dressing table we came across a book of matches. This in turn led me to think about smoking and the huge influence it had back in the 1940's and 50's.

Before we realised that those little sticks could kill you the act of lighting up was considered fashionable and even classy! As that day, we had been also looking at entertainment and cinema from the local area, this led me to think the project's character would probably want to emmulate her idols by also taking up smoking.

Crawford takes a drag

Much of the glamour associated with smoking was proliferated by the advertising of the time which was in turn acted out in many films so popular back then. A rather brilliant article about the feminisation of smoking called 'Red tips for Hot lips; advertsing cigarettes for young women in Britain 1920-70' was brought to my attention on my last visit.

It states that one of the main strategies to make smoking an attractive option for females was to associate it with beautiful or famous women both in the USA and UK. Adverts for a brand called De Reszke Minors utilised the assistance of film stars such as Peggy Wood and Gracie Fields; 'If Gracie Fields offered you a cigarette, it would be a De Reszke of course'! These type of adverts were aimed mostly at middle class and upper class women such as the readers of Vogue and Miss Modern.

Lets also not forget the visually seductive quality of smoking. The focus of the hands the elegance of long fingers occupied, the framing of the face and above all the focus of the mouth! Smoking was probably one of the most risque things a woman could do on screen, especially if the said smoke was offered and lit by a man.

Bacall knows how to do it herself; she just puts her lips together...

The association of smoking with the movies was further solidified by the use of cigarette cards. Collectable cards which came with the cigarettes and focused on individual film stars, giving a photo and sometimes information. Although not entirley aimed at women I'm sure some girls might have got a kick from opening the wrapper to find Clark Gable nestling inside!

Some of the gimmicks proffered by the advertisers of the time to a specifically female audience were the red tip, so no unattractive red smudges would appear on the cigarette! Brilliant. And the cork tip; This little invention proved helpful in preventing tobacco sticking to lips and therefore compromising the perfect image that had been carefully constructed.

Rita avoids that messy tobacco by using a holder

Bette looks the modern and independant woman with her cigarette

The epitomy of sophisication, Katherine Hepburn

Lamarr and her long perfectly manicured hands highlighted by a cigarette

All this glamour, it's making me crave a cigarette right now! Not to smoke you understand, but to hold and wave ever so airily and elegantly about. It's true to say smoking has never been so attractive to watch since this golden era. One can't help but wonder why women were focused on quite so much at this time though, was it to make money from a previously nearly untapped market, was it because the act of smoking helped to de-stress in times of hardship? Whatever the case it sure did look pretty.

Seeing stars...

2010-11-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

I was back in Stoke on Tuesday to view some of the vintage branded product items that Stoke Pottieries Museum and Art Gallery holds in order to illustrate my dressing room set to the fullest extent.

Most of the branded products are housed within the social history collection rather than the decorative arts collection, and as it turns out have changed the direction of the project; No dressing table would be complete without the required beauty products and perfumes, and I origianlly wanted these products to reflect the refined character of the project's story. An upper class socialite of the late 1940's early 50's.

However the branded items in the museum are all very everyday and in turn reflect the ordinary working class and middle class women of Stoke! Of course! This was just one of the seemingly obvious things I've learnt whilst this project has unfurled.

No Channel or Givenchy here, but popular products all the same.
Tokalon, originally established before 1900 was relaunched in 1930's
and became a good seller for cosmetics and toiletries.

I was suprised and rather relived to find out that ladies of the era had
access to Tampax! A welcome if not very glamorous addition to the dressing room.

Perfumes and cosmetics of the 1940's and early 50's were produced in very
small sizes due to rationing. This bottle of Phul-nana fits into the palm of my
hand! Not the ostetatious larger bottles I'd envisiged

So cue a drastic change of class for my character. Instead of the femme fatale aristocratic type, she is now a much more accessable kind of girl. With Stoke's history revolving around it's potteries there is a chance she worked in something similar or perhaps as a shop worker. I have an inkling she might be married to a shop keeper and therefore be a little better off.

But I still want her to have glamour, I want the dressing room to evoke a vintage style that people will find intriguing and enjoy looking at and therefore encourage them to learn about the artifacts within. If the 'Dressing Table Gallery' taught me anything, it's that we love looking at other women's personal objects and 'oohing' and 'ahhing' over attractive belongings.

Being a girl limited means doesn't mean my character can't dream. Indeed the era of the 1940's and 50's was a time of escapism as the war years cast a gloomy shadow of limitation and loss over most of the country. This is where I see an opening for the glamour aspect. Popular pastimes included theatre going, a day at the races (dogs that is), the radio and the cinema.

Frank Sinatra and Katherine Hepburn were some of the major stars of the time thanks to
the films they appeared in.

The glorious silver screen was perhaps one of the most influential of pastimes. In 1946 there were 39 cinemas in the Stoke area! The wonderful website Stoke on Trent Film Theatre, states that as well as being a source of information about what was happening during and after the war courtesy of the newsreel, cinemas were cultural spaces in which, 'fantasies of escape to exotoic lands, and dreams of identifaction with idealised images could be given free rein' How wonderful!

It stands to reason that the glamour the stars of the time exuded set many trends back in their day and home made versions of the must have fashions took off. Hairstyles were emmulated and women would try their hand at improvising the make-up 'look' of their favourite screen siren. Where better to find these gems of information than in the contemporary magazines of the day?

A fabulous article called 'Keep it up!' not only highlights the female love of self decoration but the title touches on the importance of looking ones best during a time of national crisis and hardship. Check out the hairstyle in the top right! Lady Gaga eat your heart out! Incidentally all these women were stars of the day.

Cue my browsing a selection of Home Notes magazine from the late 1940's. A treasure trove of advertisments, beauty tips, short stories and recipes. You could say they were the Woman's Own of the past. The magazine reached a readership of 299,000 by 1952 and would have been a good source of information for the working class and middle class woman.

'Calling all career girls. it's practical feminine business sense to look like a sucess you
are going to be'

Deborah Kerr is labled with some of the most beautiful hair in the world
thanks to Lustre Cream Shampoo. It's worth noting the power of celebraty
was strong even then, and as an aspirational young woman the character
from my project would have been drawn to this kind of product.

'Try to wear fur somewhere near your face. It needn't be a mink coat.
The tiniest furry touch will flatter your skin and eyes!'

'Cocks Comb, or Cherry or Satin Red will give your lips a lovely winter glow'

My visit also allowed me to view some of the playbills and programmes of the area's many theatres and dance halls. It really highlighted how important social outings and entertainment was.

A beautifully classy cover for a theatre programme I couldn't help
but be drawn to especially as it shows a lady at her dressing table!

An amateur production programme from 1950

The marking sheet for an amateur dance test, 'Good footwork, hand
postition could be better'.

One of the photos I have put aside to be displayed on the dressing table shows a
couple dancing, to represent my character and her husband. Maybe they
went to a dance class like this one from 1951.

The Hanley Theatre Royal enjoyed a grand re-opening in 1951
were it boasted being, 'Enlarged, re-built and entirley modernised'!

Really it seems the change in direction has opened up a whole new range of possibilities for my character. In fact I quite like her now, I suppose I can relate to her love of entertainment and need for glamour. She avidly follows the films, has a keen sense of fashion in which she's eager to emmulate her favourite stars and enjoys music and the theatre. But she does all this without the advantage of pots of money and free time. Like many of us she does what she can, but oh how she loves to dream!

Her dreamy outlook on life also opens up many possiblites about her relationship with her husband, her friends and her past, all things I hope to leave open to interpretation through the postioning and choice of items within the finished set. She seems to be rounding up nicely, perhaps it's time to give her a name...

Neeta Madahar: Flora

2010-11-11T08:59:00.001-08:00

Laura with Irises: Neeta Madahar

While my Stoke project is moving on to the next stage I thought I'd share with you an artist whose work really caught my attention over the past few weeks.
Neeta Madahar, is a photographer whose new work is celebratory of women and uses a decorative theme which completely enchants and speaks to my love of female glamour!

Last year I wrote about Madame Yevonde, a photographer from the 1930's who produced a series of images based on goddesses. It is this work which has inspired Madahar and similar set ups and themes can be seen mirrored in her portraits series; Flora.

The Hon Byron Guinness as Venus: Madame Yevonde

Using friends and work collegues as models Madahar asked each one to choose a flower which has been used as a womans name to personify in their portrait. Whereas Yevonde photographed the titled peers of her social circles, such as' The Hon Byron Guinness as Venus', giving them an etherial filmic glamour in each shot, Madahar uses very normal looking women. In fact the lack of photoshopping is very refreshing in this day and age and it's the contrast of real and artificial which helps to make the images so intriguing.

Sian with Bluebells: Neeta Madahar

I love the campy aestheticsm, the artificial lighting and sets and vintage glamour, but I also love the way the models are natural in portrayal of size, age and looks.

There is a fantasy in each shot which transports the viewer and perfectly captures the personification of the flower in question. Artifice rules yet again. Despite the believability of the models they have successfully altered their everyday appearance to give a performance which only seems to maginfy their own characters and personal stories.

Venus Verticordia: Dante Gabriel Rossetti

The idea of women with flowers or nature is an ancient one and one that has been touched upon hundreds of times, and I'm happy that the powerful myth is still inspiring artists today and producing images that glorify the female as icon! I think Madahar's Flora images could be seen as deceptfully simple but they are actually full of meaning and layered in history, reference and narrative.

Lee with Fushias: Neeta Madahar

Have a spook filled weekend!

2010-10-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Photo by Candee Photography

Stories through drawing workshop

2010-10-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

If you are in Stoke this Saturday I am running a workshop at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery as part of the Big Draw. The workshop is all about stories and drawing and will encourage you to explore your ideas in new and fun ways!

There will of course be a burlesque slant, so if you love gorgeous vintage items, you're in for a treat!

The workshop will run twice during the day so choose your time:

10am-12.30pm
1.30pm- 4.00pm
£5
Booking essential

See the museum's website for booking details.

A second skin

2010-10-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

Gilda takes off her gloves

'Mother said you could always tell a lady by her hands' whined Suellen in 'Gone With the Wind' as she looking longingly at her own dirty fingers and ragged nails. (Poor Suellen, she had it hard after the civil war!)

Gloves played a huge part in everyday society for many centuries defining a 'Lady' and her worth. Pretty pink pale hands untouched by sun and hard work marked you out as upper class and civilised.

Gloves, for women at least, continued to play a huge role in dress and couture after the Second world war, and there was even a glove ettiquette as outlined by Lady Bagot in the introduction to her clothing exhibition; 'Long evening dresses were worn on all formal occassions with long white gloves'. Although she quite daringly rebelled against this rule by wearing pink kid elbow gloves with many of her evening ensembles!

There is something so tactile and alluring about gloves. When not being worn simply as a device to keep warm, they also elevate the wearer to someone untouchable and unable to touch making them different and intriguing!

In her 1946 film Rita Hayworth played her defining role as Gilda, a sizzling temptress who knew how to use her gloves to captivate an audience and her man. In fact the best striptease I have ever seen was performed by the elegant Dirty Martini. The audience were spellbound and completely silent as they watched her inch her long gloves slowly down her full arms pulling each finger loose seductivley with her teeth. She removed all her clothes after this but it was the act of removing her gloves and freeing her hands which stayed in my mind and entranced me the most.

All these thoughts were racing around the back off my mind when I viewed the gloves housed in Stoke's Potteries Museum and Art Gallery for my collaborative project. The immense number of ladies gloves they have was overwhemling but oh so bewitching!

Peeling back the tissue paper to uncover each enchanting pair was a joy; Mitts, gauntlets mittens and muffs. How intiguing to think they once graced a lady's hands, for evening entertainment, lunchtime engagments and dangerous liasons? Needless to say gloves will feature in my dressing room set adding to the overall story.

It seems the meaning and symbolism about gloves faded as they became less and less necessary from the 60's onwards. As with many things the romance has evaporated. But I know there are still a few glove afficiandos out there who have supreme respect for the hand coverings which single out a lady from the rest of the crowd. I often have enjoyed donning a pair of half length leather beauties for a night out and the attention they have got me!

But to illustrate how powerful gloves could be in their heyday here is a nice little anecdote told to me by the Museum's Collections Officer:

If a gent really liked a girl he would show his affections by giving her a gift of gloves. The gloves would have to reflect her in some way and couldn't be too racey! As gloves were part of everyday wear they were quite a personal item to buy and the man had to be thoughtful in his choice.

If the lady reciprocated his affections she would show this by wearing the gloves to church the following Sunday. What a compliment! But if she didn't like the man or wished to discourage him, she would wear mittens instead.

So next time you see a woman in a pair of gloves (excluding the rubber and woolly kind) show her the respect those gloves demand, she is a lady after all!

The fictional Wife

2010-10-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

The many gentlemen candidates for 'The Husband'

I was back in Stoke last Tuesday continuing my collaborative project with Stoke Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

I am using the Decorative Arts collection at the museum to create a dressing room set. It is my intention that every item of clothing, every object and placement will help to illustrate a story. Like looking at a crime scene it will be the viewers job to piece the clues together and come to a conclusion. To find out more and see where my ideas came from see some of my older posts.

Tuesday's visit was all about photographs. After rifling through handbags, cosmetics, jewelllery and accessories all of which are housed in the museum's extensive Decorative Arts collection, I am now looking for more personal touches to anchor the narrative. I was looking for photos to represent the main character and owner of the dressing room her husband and also various other pictures of events and loved ones to add interest and back story.

Lady Bagot studio portrait 1953

I've been hugely inspired by Lady Bagot of Staffordshire who donated a splendid collection of her clothing and accessories dating from the 1940's-1970's (more of this to come). The character I want to portray will be a socialite like Lady Bagot and high profile. I'm basing the dressing room set in a 40's 50's era as it represents a particular glamour that is hard to beat in later decades. Fortunately many of the artifacts I've already sourced for the set fit into this time slot too.

The photographic collection at the museum is divided into dates and catagories with many photos donated by the local people of Stoke. Myself and Carol, a volunteer at the museum, began by pulling out a huge file each, titled 'Women 1900-1950' and proceeded to whittle down likely candidates for my 'Lady' character.

It was so much fun and a real eye opener to see peoples everyday lives portrayed; everything from working class terraces to formal portraits. We found many interesting individuals like the rather serious looking old lady in a very uncomfortable black dress (a widow?) who was corseted up to the eyeballs. She was doing her best Queen Victoria impression (unwittingly) with the legend 'Auntie Lisem Filch in the garden' inked along the bottom of the photo.

I also found it very affecting to see black and white images of single women sitting staring out to the viewer then turning the paper over to see' Mother' inscribed on the back. This was once someones beloved parent, now an anonymous figure among many others stacked into a museum basement.

In fact all the photos were very special, right down to the out of focus slightly fuzzy ones, because they all captured a moment and person in time from Stoke's past. Yet hardly anything is known about who or what or even exactly where they portray.

The 'men' section was equally fascinating. One photo of a whiskered overall wearing chap even had a descriptive story on the back; ' Taken in the yard, just got in. Just come in from work not washed. Feeding Hope's Cat. Dollie is shadow'.

As we worked our way through the decades the photos began to peter out. Why? The invention and mass distribution of digital cameras. As more people embrace the technological age old school print outs are being fazed out. It makes you wonder how historians in the future will understand our world when archives will no longer be a physical thing you can handle and compare.

Domestic servant circa 1899 taken from the Stoke on Trent Collections Explorer

From amongst the holiday snaps, studio portraits and informal pictures, we managed to create a subtle narrative of a woman, married to a rather staid formal looking gentlman. There is a picture of them dancing at a soiree and a lovely shot of her with her pekinese dog. Somewhere in her life, maybe before her marriage, there is evidence of a performance background and a relationship with a sailor. The autographed photo of him signed 'your's very truely' and the fact she has kept it in her private boudoir could hint at something more? That is up to the viewer to decide when the set is complete and I am looking forward deciding how to display the photos in a natural personal way which will evoke the life of my fictional character.

Rosie Mitchell Art and Burlesque

2010-10-13T04:27:00.000-07:00

During her burlesque years Rosie performed as 'Novita' and was dubbed 'The Pixie of Burlesque' working alondside great jazz musicians and comics of the age. She even peformed with Gene Kelly for a TV spectacular in 1957!

An all round creative, Rosie is a singer, musician, performer and artist and had dedicated her life to these pursuits. You can see her fabulous art work and handmande sculptures on her Etsy shop, Showtime Designs

Painting by Rosie Mitchell aka Novita. Available as a pack of six cards on her shop

Lipstick Powder and Paints the online sketchbook of a burlesque and pin-up artist

Alice in Wonderland: Roadtrip recollections No.1

Happy New Year 2012!

GROTTO is back!

Back in the booth!

Sketch-O-Matic!

My Week With Marilyn

Hit or Miss?

Latest painting...

This week I have been mostly...

Embroideries on Etsy

Last weeks Sketch Crawl

Twit-twoo!

A mixed bag of arty events

Experiments in thread continued

Breaking news!

Pirates and mermaids

MM Personal

Embroidery experiment #1

The value of your words

Bits and bobbins

Heads Up!

Back at last!

Diary update

Ban the Bunny? I don't think so

New posts in Mrs Brown's Diary

A very merry Bury weekend!

A Very Bury Weekend

Marilyn?

Bits and Pieces

Mrs Brown's Diary, the shoot

Make over heaven

Dressing Mrs Brown

Online now!

Aphrodite Les Folies

An arty March

It's all going on!

Set up day!

Susie Sequin T shirt

The lost Pleasure Palaces

Dressing room update!

Interview on Cornerhouse Podcast

The People You're Not private view!

The People You're Not - @CornerhouseMcr : Cornerhouse 29th Jan - 27th Feb

The People You're Not

Mrs Brown's wardrobe

The woman behind the outfit

Strike the pose!

Grotto

Got a light?

Seeing stars...

Neeta Madahar: Flora

Have a spook filled weekend!

Stories through drawing workshop

A second skin

The fictional Wife

Rosie Mitchell Art and Burlesque