Cathy's Art Diary

Delightful exhibition at the Garden Museum looking at Cecil Beaton's gardens and the influence of gardens and flowers on his work. This show was beautifully designed by Luke Edward Hall incorporating his delicate murals reflecting Beaton's style. I had recently seen him do a similar response to the work of Oliver Messel at Glyndebourne and of course Beaton and Messel were friends. I will say though that I didn’t see the purpose of the tin foil in the display cabinets other than that they gave a sense of glitz. The coverage of the show was broader than I expected covering theatrical designs by Beaton which were influenced by flowers and portrait photographs which included them. I loved the inclusion of a set model for Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera House alongside headdresses from the Covent Garden version of the production. My favourite sections looked at the gardens he created at Ashcombe House and Reddish House and how he used them for parties and with friends. C...

Delightful small exhibition at Glyndebourne Opera House by Luke Edward Hall responding to the sister exhibition on Oliver Messel’s designs for the company. The main work was an imagined small backdrop in the style of Messel alongside six watercolours. I loved the delicate colours and Rococo styling. I had seen Hall talk at Charleston Festival last year, so it was I interesting to see another aspect of his work.   Closed 24 August 2025

Fun discussion at Charleston Farmhouse as part of the Charleston Festival about the process of putting together stories of queer love from the ancient world for an illustrated book. Poet Seán Hewitt and artist Luke Edward Hall were guided by the chair Nikita Gill though describing the collaborative process, from which stories were chosen to how the book was put together. I include the event in this blog to recognise the charming illustrations by Luke Edward Hall and I will be looking out to see more of his work.