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The last of three parts of Rex Whistler's theatre designs in THE MASQUE, opens with the artist's brother Laurence remembering theatrical impresario Sir Charles Cochran attending the Tate Gallery murals in November 1927 and Sir Charles vowing not to depart until he had 'secured the artist's address.' Rex would contribute to four Cochran revues and many other theatricals for the stage-his first being the programme for John Milton's Comus in 1930.
Rex would recheck his history books for accuracy in scenes such as Victoria Regina which takes place in 1842.
Rex's artistry did not stop with his beautifully detailed drawings-much time was spent as rehearsals started in front of the curtain making notes-corrections-remedies-and suggestions.
Drawings of Rex Whistler's Costumes in MASQUE part 3
detail drawing for La Spectre de la Rose
I felt I found a little treasure in these Masque pamphlets-the last of the three with its bright pink cover seems hardly to have been viewed. As I open its pages-32 in all-it is mostly filled with pictures of Rex Whistler's drawings. A few words offered up as introduction by his brother Laurence to the delicate airy lines laid out with great assurance by the artist. Whether it is Rex's set design, his Tate murals or his paintings at Plas Newydd-we are invited to enter-to believe-and- to dream.
Whistler's first for the theatre- a programme for the play COMUS.
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Good God! Where on earth do you find this stuff???
ReplyDeleteYou are not just sitting there minding your own business!!
These are serious treasures you are mining for our generation and futures!
How on earth?? How lucky we are! This person would have simply faded into history with a few people remembering him; and a few pictures!
Seriously!! You are such a COMPLETE TREASURE to the "decorative arts world"!!
You are actually a miracle walking!
Thank you!
Penelope
there are many "miracles walking" thank goodness-we are a special group and it is all about unearthing and sharing I like to think. pgt
DeleteThese wonderful drawings have really been a treat to see! I am so happy that there is a revival of interest in Rex Whistler's work.
ReplyDeleteI just love the nursery drawing-wouldn't it be fun to "do" that room up today-it would work beautifully. As I said to PB above-the finding the sharing is what it's all about I think-both of which you do so well and generously yourself. pgt
DeleteOnce again Gaye, many thanks for sharing these little treasures.
ReplyDeleteThought I'd seen most everything to do with Rex, and then up pops the set design
for the Private Life of Napoleon Bonaparte! Delicious.
These are little treasures-I see that Abe books still has some copies, if you want to get them for your library-http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?kn=Rex+WHistler&sts=t&tn=The+Masque
Deletepgt
There is a part three! This series of yours has been a delight. I agree about the nursery room -I enjoyed looking at all the details there, and there is something Chekovian in this design where the props of the room tell the story of its inhabitants-the dollhouse and socks placed before the fire to dry, the globe and drum, a center table arrayed with objects of various pursuits. Also, in all the posts it is interesting to see the program designs, where he reinvents the forms of the Baroque period, in arrangements of cartouches and trophies with such a light touch -a bit of a wink and delight and expressing nostalgic charm.
ReplyDeleteThese have all been a treat. All of your posts in the archives are gems.
Gaye, I want to say that your Rex Whistler series has been brilliant and an absolute delight. Thank you.
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