I made quick visits to a couple of visual arts and fashion related exhibitions this week:
Fashion photography at Blumenfield Studios (Somerset House)
“Berlin born photographer Erwin Blumenfield was one of the more internationally sought after portrait and fashion photographers during the 1940s-1950s”. His work graced Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Harper’s Bazaar amongst others so I popped into this free exhibition in the East Wing which led me on a stroll through a series of small, wood-floored rooms.
Some of the photos are obviously advertising material. Nonetheless, they were all beautiful. The grace of the era shone through on every one of the 100 or so pictures and I had to admire the girdled waistlines and the elegant evening gowns featured in many images.
I smiled when amongst the Elizabeth Arden shots I saw “Glitter Lips 1952” – and I thought such cosmetics were a recent development! A favourite image was for Max Factor lipstick called “Red on red”. It was a surprise to see photos used for cigarette advertising (Chesterfield) but they were amongst the most erotic and provocative in the collection.
Other works are most artistic – I particularly liked one containing rainbow blinds and a montage of strappy sandals – stunning colours. And there was a nice version of Vermeer’s “Girl with a pearl earring”.
This exhibition runs until 1 September. Further information: http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/blumenfeld-studio
Kaffe Fassett – A life in colour (Fashion and Textile Museum, Bermondsey)
While I know little about textiles, knitting, quilting, needlepoint and tapestries I do know the name Kafee Fassett – an American artist who came to London in the 1960s. So when I was near London Bridge I handed over £8 entry fee to take a quick look. It’s not a particularly big exhibition area – split over two levels – but it does have a neat little shop and a rather snug café.
I was surprised to find quite a lot of paintings (some of shells) and Gaudi-esque mosaic ceramic pots. And I took delight in touching the fabrics on the large, bright “feeling wall”. The beaded beanies made me smile and many of the large, brilliant jewelled-coloured quilts were stunning. I wondered too whether Paul Smith was inspired by some of the striped work.
Upstairs there were areas were ranges of textiles were influenced by his earlier work as a still life artist. There were cabbage-greed and duck-gold displays. There was a separate wall of those fancy jumper, waistcoat and cardigan knits – intricate and illusionary patterns with a nature or geometric connection. There was a small seating area here with a video about some of his work and a private event was running in the large workshop.
And I never knew that one of his early commissions was to illustrate” The New London Spy: A Discreet Guide to the City”.
The exhibition runs until 29th June http://ftmlondon.org/ftm-exhibitions/kaffe-fassett/
