Thursday, 17 March 2011

Pre-Raphaelite Beetle Dress

I've just found out about a Pre-Raphaelite style dress that has recently been restored from the Pre-Raphaelite Paintings Blog and I can't stop looking at it!  The dress was made from 1,000 beetles wings and was worn by Ellen Terry when she played Lady Macbeth at London's Lyceum Theatre in 1888 (I looked at her slightly for my last essay for my MA).  Although there is an element of cruelty in the making of this dress I cannot deny that the overall effect is fascinating and eyecatching...





(Pictures originally from the Daily Mail).

I am currently planning a trip to London at Easter because I need to do lots of archival research for my MA: namely at the National Portrait Gallery, the V&A and the Women's Library but I have also just added the new exhibit at the V&A to my list: The Cult of Beauty: The Aesthetic Movement 1860-1900 I can't wait! I also have the new Pre-Raphaelite exhibition in Birmingham to go to at some point:  The Poetry of Drawing:Pre-Raphaelite Designs, Studies & Watercolours

Aside from that I have mostly been preparing for Presentations & working my admin job.  Fun times!
Posted by Zoe at 12:35:00 pm
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4 comments:

  1. The Plath Diaries20 March 2011 at 22:32

    I really admire the fact you're doing your MA and your admin job alongside. I worked an admin job after I finished my MA for two and a half years, until I got PhD funding so I really empathise with how draining it can be. Good luck with everything! I'm really enjoying your blog btw :)

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  2. Zoe22 March 2011 at 11:54

    I wish I didn't have to do my admin job to be honest although I am very lucky because I work at the same university and randomly this year my workplace was moved to the corridor above the history department which I am very greatful for. I work 30 hours a week at it though - it is the only way I can afford to do my MA and some nights I just want to get home and sleep! I am so jealous that you are doing a Phd - I am starting to think it might be my dream too!

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  3. Zoë28 March 2011 at 17:50

    This is incredible, I didn't know about this dress at all!

    Also my friend just told me about this exhibition today, so hopefully I can book tickets for the tour of aesthetic houses in Chelsea. If she agrees to go I will wet myself with excitement! Awful use of imagery there!

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  4. Zoe28 March 2011 at 17:57

    There is so much I need to do in London for my MA! It's slightly annoying really (I am feeling poor at the moment). Are you planning to go down just for that? Although it is justifiable :)

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