Sunday, April 19, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Magnificence of the Tsars
An exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington - not a place I visit very
often - but this was well worth it. OK this display of the Coronation Robes of the Russian Emperors from the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century might not say much about the political and economic context of this long and significant period of Russia's history, but the only word that could have been used in the title was 'magnificence'. Exquisite, delicate, gaudy, intricate and totally over the top these tremendous pieces of clothing actually said a lot about the social history of these times. Starting with the Coronation of Peter II in 1727 the complicated nature of clothing was revealed - so many layers, so many buttons, such display - underwear, stockings, breeches, waistcoats, top coats, and the decorations of the chivalric orders all covered in gold and silver thread, interwoven with semi-precious and precious stones all demonstrate the autocracy, wealth and power of the regime. Even in the twentieth century the last Tsar and Tsarina re-created the costumes of previous eras for a celebration ball. Perhaps what is so remarkable is the fact that these items have survived in such excellent condition over such a long period of time, the colours still bright and the decorations intake through times of invasion and revolution. Excellent labelling helped to explain the exhibits too. Rating: 8/10
Labels:
Costume,
Daily Events,
Exhibitions,
History
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
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