Own Your Encore

I have not visited the Tate prior, so I did a little research into ‘Tate’. Amazing what you learn … Henry Tate a grocer turned sugar magnate, bought the patent to the ‘sugar cube making process’ in 1875 … the cube made its British debut and Tate made his fortune. Tate developed an interest in collecting art and long story short eventually he donated his collection of 65 paintings to the National Gallery opened in 1897 by the Prince of Wales… it was renamed to Tate Britain in 1932. Here is a complete history.

The SHOW – Sargent and Fashion

The minute I walked in I knew this was going to be a wonderful portrait show… not so much fashion. Each portrait has a presence and a sense of personality comes through in each painting. Sargent also has a way in painting fabric that is superb in complimenting the subject and makes the painting more interesting. He had an eye for manner and clothing… I would have followed him on Instagram. Here is a little tour and some details from the show.

He has a way with white fabric, and textures

This Cashmere shawl is used in multiple paintings. These are all paintings he initiated vs a commissioned portrait.

A mastery of drama…

• 5 Fashion Moments in John Singer Sargent’s Paintings | Tate

I walked back through Begravia where people were stepping out of their Ferrari for lunch and this curious horse drawn coach [with police escort] was messing with traffic.

And a recycle / upcycle tip…if you have an old phone booth…

On the train to Lyon tomorrow.