Grimm Girls: Picturing the Princess

K.M. Lockwood (Philippa Francis)
An Exhibition at the Otter Gallery in Chichester in association with Chichester University’s English and Creative Writing Department and The Sussex Centre for Folklore, Fairy Tales and Fantasy.





Finishes Saturday 25th January
free

I’ve loved fairy tales since I devoured the Andrew Lang Fairy books as a child – so I was itching to see this exhibition. It might be quite compact – one largish room – but it is full of fascinating art.


Snow White - Wanda Gag
The Grimm fairytales have been popular in one form or another for over two centuries. This exhibition compares illustrations from six of the most well-known:

  • Snow White
  • Sleeping Beauty
  • Cinderella
  • Little Red Riding Hood
  • Beauty and the Beast
  • Rapunzel

There is much to stimulate both writers and artists. For example, it is extraordinary how diverse the interpretations of The Beast are. It’s not just a question of taste in, say, the Art Deco style – but of the artist’s own fears and imaginings. Likewise, the age of Red Riding Hood varies widely – as does the severity and violence of the tale.


Sean Jefferson, b1957 The Wolf and Red Riding Hood - oil on panel

There is a diversity of artists and periods here – and some exquisite original works. I particularly appreciated the books and other artefacts that represent all sorts of periods and tastes. Disney makes an appearance – of course - but there are so many other approaches. NB If you find that interesting you may well enjoy Prof Jack Zipes's talk 'The Twists and Turns of Fairy Tale Films: De-Disneyfying Disney stereotypes'


Red Riding Hood Display case

I would highly recommend this show for lovers of fairytales in any medium. I should also point out that there are a few activities (including dressing-up) for would-be princesses – and a free talk on Wednesday 22nd. For more details, and to book the talk, visit the Chichester University site here.

Let me know if you are coming – and I might well see you there.





K. M. Lockwood is a writing name of Philippa R. Francis. As well as being a regular contributor, Philippa (@lockwoodwriter) also tweets as @Words8Pictures helping to maintain our 'Industry news' feed.

2 comments:

  1. Looks amazing. I wish I lived closer!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This looks wonderful. I so love the Wolf and Red Riding Hood.

    ReplyDelete

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