Aubrey Beardsley

This is the exhibition catalogue for the Aubrey Beardsley exhibition at the Tate (1). The book is quite close to A4 in size, has a robust soft cover, is not too heavy and is quite manageable (2). The first third of the book consists of illustrated essays (3). The remaining two-thirds of the book reproduces the exhibition exhibits (4). There are 192 pages in all.Beardsley drew for the new printing technology, in particular for zinc line blocks made photographically from original drawings, so most of the illustrations are in black and white. Due to ill health, Beardsley’s career was very short. His influences were varied, including Art Nouveau, The Pre-Raphaelites and Japanese prints. These all reflect the influences of the 1890s, when he was active, but whatever the influence, a Beardsley style was always evident. He also had an interest in erotica and a few of the illustrations may surprise some readers (5).____________________________________________________________________________________________________(1) The exhibition was supposed to be at Tate Britain from 4 Mar to 25 May 2020 and later moved to the Musée d’Dorsay in Paris. It was closed early in London and cancelled in Paris due to the corona-19 virus.(2) The book’s size seems to suit the full page illustrations. The soft cover is in a matt black. The front is embossed in “gold” with a design taken from the front of the book Thomas Mallory’s Le Morte Darthur (1894), which was illustrated by Beardsley. This design can also be seen on page 70.(3) The essays are: Aubrey Beardsley: A New Illustrator; Beardsley and Myth; Beardsley’s Musical Work; Beardsley and Satire; Beardsley’s ‘Obscene Drawings’; Beardsley and Japan; Beardsley and Russia.(4) Unlike most modern catalogues, the plates are mostly not colourful and glossy. This is because Beardsley’s illustrations are mostly in black and white. The Plates are divided into sections: Beginnings; Le Morte Darthur; ‘Something Suggestive of Japan’; ‘A New Illustrator’; Salome; Posters; Beardsley and his circle; The Yellow Book; The Rape of Lock; The Savoy; Mademoiselle de Maupin; Curiosa; Epilogue; After Beardsley.(5) One of the essays is Beardsley’s ‘Obscene Drawings’. There are a couple of examples of priapic maximalism in the Curiosa section, which shows illustrations intended for private printing and private sale.

This is a real treat after the disappointment of the exhibition being cancelled. Beautifully presented with excellent essays and wonderful presentation of Aubrey Beardsley's drawings, illustrations and ornaments. One of the best things is the quality of the paper the book is printed on. So sympathetic to the works. If you saw and liked Mark Gattis documentary you'll love this

This superbly produced catalogue for the exhibition at the V&A Museum is a comprehensive overview of Beardsley's life and work. Sadly the exhibition was closed by lockdown so few people were lucky enough to see the show. As I was unable to attend I also purchased the Catalogue Raissone of Beardsley's work which gives an exhaustive view of his entire output created in such a short life. The cloth binding of the softback edition is particularly desirable.

A gorgeous book, a great alternative to seeing the exhibition in person as it was closed for lockdown. Most of the book features Beardsley's artwork, and the book is quite large so they are good quality prints that you don't have to squint to see. The essays at the beginning are interesting, brief but informative and a great introduction.

The exhibition was well worth the visit. This catalogue is well worth the purchase price.