Moulin Rouge and much more!

These things are sent to try us!

A new and costly phone was purchased following dropping the old one whilst on holiday. Marble floors are so unforgiving!

Then l discovered my radio mike fittings were not compatible with the new iPhone and l had to search around to find one that would do the job.

Off l jolly well go to catch up with Collections Manager, Katharine Wall – at Bath’s wonderful Victoria Art Gallery – where everyone is busy putting the final touches to the amazing new summer exhibition – Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmarte – which opens tomorrow, Friday, April 26th.

Katharine is a very enthusiastic talker and it was a pleasure being shown around the ‘100 original posters from 1890s bohemian Paris’ which offer ‘a fresh look at this era of artistic fervour and social revolution.’

Then l get home to find that my mike did not function and – though you can hear Katharine – l am but a distant mumble.

Not wanting to scrap the interview, and waste Katharine’s time, l have edited the chat in a different way. Hope you can make sense of it all.

Oh, and before l forget, if you hold a Discovery Card, entry to this ‘dazzling exhibition’ is FREE. It runs until September 29th.

Also, on Friday 17th May, the Gallery will stay open from 6pm to 9pm for Bath Festival’s Party in the City, offering live music and free entry for the night.

Here’s some more blurb……

From troupes of cancan dancers to the legendary ‘Chat Noir,’ and the unforgettable characters of the Moulin Rouge, Toulouse-Lautrec & the Masters of Montmartre will feature 100 original posters from 1890s bohemian Paris in a fresh look at this era of artistic fervour and social revolution.

This is the only chance to see Lautrec’s complete collection of posters exhibited together in the UK before it moves to its permanent home at the Musée d’Ixelles in Belgium, following a five-year international tour.

With bright colours and bold lines, Lautrec’s striking artwork captured the essence of turn-of-the-century Parisian nightlife. More than 30 pieces from his esteemed career, including his first poster of the Moulin Rouge, and the cancan dancers of La Troupe de Mademoiselle Eglantine will be shown alongside works by other celebrated artists of the day. 

Steinlen’s iconic Tournée du Chat Noir, an advert for Ruinart champagne by Alphonse Mucha, and theatre posters by Jules Cheret will feature eye-catching work by other masters of Belle Époque Paris.

There’s something for everyone to experience at this exhibition

Fun family trails and special Toddler Thursday story time sessions will introduce Lautrec to young art lovers – and look out for hands-on craft activities during the school holidays.

For students and adults, a French language activity trail will add to the Parisienne experience, and lunchtime tours every Thursday from 1.30-2pm (free with exhibition ticket) will offer an in-depth look at the artworks.

PS. Don’t forget the bloombergconnects.org app !!