Love Stories: Art, Passion & Tragedy

The National Portrait Gallery's collection of portraits of creative partnerships explores the role of love and the people featured as sitters and artists. The exhibition will explore changing ideas of love and feature stories such as George Romney, Lady Emma Hamilton, Nelson, Oscar Wilde, Lord Alfred Douglas, Edward VIII, Wallis Simpson, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Mary and Percy Shelley, Sylvia Plath, Ted Hughes, Lee Miller, Man Ray, Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, Mick, and Bianca Jagger.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 10 September 2020
\n Publisher: National Portrait Gallery Publications
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The National Portrait Gallery's collections boast an extensive array of portraits that capture the essence of creative partnerships. This captivating book delves into the vast collection of the Gallery, exploring the profound influence of love on the individuals portrayed, whether they be the sitters or the artists themselves. Drawing upon recent scholarship, the exhibition aims to unravel evolving notions of love, offering readers a chance to discover captivating love stories, both tragic and transcendent.

The narratives encompassed within this collection span a diverse range of topics, including:

The Muse: This section delves into the captivating stories of figures such as George Romney, Lady Emma Hamilton, and Nelson, highlighting their roles as muses and their profound impact on the artistic endeavors of their partners.

Scandal and Tragedy: This section delves into the complex relationships of iconic figures, such as Oscar Wilde, Lord Alfred Douglas, Edward VIII, Wallis Simpson, and John Lennon, exploring the scandalous and tragic aspects of their love lives.

Literary Love: This section showcases the poignant tales of Mary and Percy Shelley, as well as Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, exploring the profound connection between literature and love.

A Shared Studio: This section explores the stories of artists Lee Miller and Man Ray, as well as Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson, highlighting the collaborative spirit and artistic influence that emerged from their shared studio experiences.

Love and the Lens: This section delves into the captivating tales of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, as well as Mick and Bianca Jagger, examining the profound impact of love on their lives and their relationships with the camera lens.

Love Stories will come to life through the diverse perspectives of various authors, utilizing materials from the sitters' own letters, diaries, and poetry. These narratives will shed light on the intricate connections and profound influence these individuals had on some of the most celebrated masterpieces of art.

The exhibition promises to be a captivating journey through the realms of love, offering a unique opportunity to explore the complexities and nuances of human relationships and their profound impact on art.

\n Weight: 1100g\n
Dimension: 205 x 256 x 28 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781855147034\n \n