Trafalgar Square
London WC2N 5DN
UK
The spectacle of light, colour, movement, and sound in music hall and circus performance was a source of inspiration to British and French artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
From trick-riding to trapeze, we take a closer look at the sheer variety and ingenuity of circus and music hall acts and how they inspired the Impressionists, and others, to innovate.
Join distinguished National Gallery experts, art historians, and curators for a study day featuring talks on Edgas Degas’s celebrated painting of Miss La La, and Walter Sickert’s extraordinary music hall paintings, among others.
Comic song was at the heart of music hall; for a rousing finale, we are also offering limited places for participants to enjoy a special visit to Wilton’s Music Hall from 6pm for a historic talk and a traditional Cockney Sing-A-long, to recreate the atmosphere at this earliest surviving East End music hall.
Participation is highly recommended. Refreshments provided (lunch not included).