Beauty and Cosmetics Through the Ages – The Wallace Collection
Experience an evocative and vivid exploration of the historical and often dangerous pursuit of beauty with Dr Barbara Lasic. Drawing on objects in the Wallace Collection and beyond, you’ll discover the creativity, contradictions, and hidden perils of historical make-up.
From the Renaissance to the Victorian age, cosmetics promised a perfection that was tantalising yet elusive. Vilified and mocked, yet irresistibly enticing, you’ll learn how cosmetic artifice captivated very diverse social groups, from impoverished courtesans to prosperous matriarchs and powerful queens. Paints, powders and brushes became the tools of reinvention for many. However, as several coveted products contained lead, mercury or arsenic, you’ll learn how the quest for beauty was risky, sometimes even fatal.
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Event Details
Address
Manchester Square
London
W1U 3BN
United Kingdom
