Gertrude Lawrence and Noël Coward in Private Lives, 1931 - Times Square Theatre, New York. © Vandamm Studio. Courtesy of Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
An engaging visual presentation by curator Brad Rosenstein on the exhibition Noël Coward: Art & Style opening on 14 June at the Guildhall Art Gallery. The talk will explore the central role of design in Coward’s life and work. The pre-eminent British playwright and songwriter, renowned for his verbal wit, was also visually acute, seeking out the finest artists and designers of his time to craft the sets and costumes for his original productions, the décor of his homes, and his iconic personal style.
Rosenstein’s rich presentation interweaves images, audio, and video with lively and insightful commentary on Coward’s collaborations with a gallery of brilliant talents, from designers Cecil Beaton, Oliver Messel, Gladys Calthrop, and Doris Zinkeisen to couturiers Edward Molyneux, Norman Hartnell, Victor Stiebel and decorator Syrie Maugham. The result is a fresh and unique glimpse into Coward’s personal and theatrical world.
Proceeds from our ticket sales benefit museums, galleries and other arts-based organisations and projects.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live, or on-demand for three weeks afterwards. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends.