The Sneaky Magpie

V&A did it again, another spectacular, meticulously researched and curated exhibition.

Today I was taken into the magic world of Diaghilev’s ballet.

The exhibition starts with the end of imperial Russia and the Bolshevik Revolution, the times when everything that was rich, grand and full of grandeur was considered bad. The pre-Bolshevik times inspired Diaghilev which shows in his set designs and costumes however he also embraced modernity creating something new and shocking.

The main themes were the Russian steppes and Middle East. Intricate work on the costumes was done by the most amazing collective one could imagine including Picasso, de Chirico, Chanel, Matisse, Braque, Cocteau, Goncharova and Bakst.

The Rite of Spring, 1913, designed by Nikolai Roerich

Zéphyre et Flore, 1925, designed by Georges Braque

Le Train Bleu, 1924, designed by Coco Chanel

The Good-Humoured Ladies, 1920s, designed by Léon Bakst

From fairy-tale pretty to traditional folk to modernist the costumes were something else, I was walking from one exhibit to another and admired the craftsmanship and sheer beauty of those creations.

The exhibition shows a lot of pictures, paintings, sketches, clips, notes and music sheets creating a complete picture of this unusual troupe.

The Firebird

Parade

Parade

The Firebird

Ballets Russes on tour

Nijinski, the biggest star of Ballets Russes

Diaghilev was a truly inspirational and vibrant figure who just spread creative energy around and was capable of infecting the biggest names of art world to collaborate on his innovative vision.

Thank you for your lovely messages, it really made me smile. Things got more cheerful and last week’s drama is over.

We have snow in London! Of course as soon as it hits the ground it melts but the view out of my window is so pretty. We may even get proper (read: 10cm if we are really lucky) snow for Christmas, wouldn’t that be nice?

It’s busy at work and we are still unsure whether we are working next week or not. Usually we close for almost 2 weeks break.

My house is decorated now and I did all the gifts and cards apart from the hubby. All that’s left doing is the food shopping and a bit of baking. Having said that I really don’t feel like thinking about food at all, this is due to a mountain of biscuits and mince pies on the desk next to mine that keeps diminishing and I am the only one in this room! New Year’s detox is essential.

Last weekend I went to Sadler’s Well to see Swan Lake. I didn’t hope for much as it is Matthew Bourne’s production and as I suspected it was very commercial and not my cup of tea at all but for £10 I shall not argue. Beforehand we popped to Harlequin for a drink, it is a very small and cozy pub in Arlington Way, they serve very good mulled wine which was such a perfect thing to have on a cold night. Sad it is bit too far to become my local.

Now, how am I going to cycle home if it keeps snowing??