Alas, no. The gimmicky lighting design meant that as soon as you focused on something, the lights went out ... then they came on again, and you'd have a few seconds to look ... then off they went again. And yes, visitors are complaining about it, agreed the nice girl from the museum. But it's not supposed to be an exhibition, it's an installation, she said. I think possibly people might like to have that pointed out before they spend £9 to get in. Because this is all you get. That's it. What you see in this picture. That's the exhibition. Along with some knitted patchwork tapestries on the opposite wall.
I've loved pretty well every Fashion Museum exhibition that I've ever seen. But this one was scrappy and lazy. No labels. Well, you couldn't have seen them in the dark. You can ask to see a laminated sheet with the dates of the garments but it is written in the tiniest font that I have ever seen. I'd have struggled with it 30 years ago! The message was clearly, if you're so middle-aged and boring that you care about dates, well, have a squint at this and good luck ...
Barely worth the detour and definitely not worth a special trip. But the next exhibition is 1920s Jazz Age ... and that does sound good.
It wasn't a wasted afternoon. I did have to pass through Borough Market for the best salted caramel honeycomb doughnut on the planet.
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI am also a fan of the Fashion Museum and might well have thought about going to the Missoni Exhibition (sorry Installation?) when next in town- now I will try and go to Dulwich for the Winifred Knights instead. Just to say I really do value your views on exhibitions/films/books. If I can recommend something in return I thoroughly enjoyed the Turkish film Mustang which I managed to see in Oxford. Don't be put off by the title, it is a beautiful coming-of-age film about 5 sisters. All the best, LLA
I will hang up my Missoni hand towel and flick the lights on and off for free. Thanks for the warning.
ReplyDeleteOh dear...I would be feeling a bit let down as well. Glad to hear there was a silver lining in that doughnut. Tim Hortons needs to hear about this - they think we all have the taste buds of an eight year old!
ReplyDeleteI was kicking myself, Lulu - because Inearly went to Dulwich instead, but left it a bit late setting out. I'm also mad that I missed Mustang when it was on locally - forgetfulness, no excuse! I must try to catch it before it disappears completely.
ReplyDeleteMuch the same efect, Lucille. You could even wrap it round your head like a turban and pout.
Darlene, those doughnuts are the best. We'll put them on the list for next time you're here. You could even call it a diet trick because you'll never want to eat an ordinary doughnut again.
At least you were able to visit the Borough Market. I love it there! And the candy sounds heavenly!
ReplyDeleteI always want to buy everything, Sunday - just as well I don't live close by! I perched on a pile of wooden crates with a coffee and my very squishy doughnut - and that was my healthy lunch! Guaranteed vitamin-free.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we will bump into each other at the Winifred Knights if you haven't been yet.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, thanks for the warning - I was going to go to this one. The Winifred Knights is wonderful, though, and well worth a trip. I'm planning to go back and see it twice.
ReplyDeleteI still haven't made it to Dulwich-but I always enjoy their exhibtions. Apart from anything else, they are exactly the right size for maximum enjoyment!
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