Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Chelsea Arts Ball

Searle contributed to the decor of the 1954 Chelsea Arts Ball (-the theme that year was 'The Seven Seas') with a 'mermaid' construction 50 feet tall! Searle's style was beautifully translated into three dimensions under his supervision.



Here is one of Searle's preparatory sketches for the model.



The Seven Seas, 72 x 52cm (28 3/8 x 20 1/2in) watercolour, gouache and pencil.
This drawing was also used as the front cover illustration for the event's programme.



The Times January 1st, 1955

3 comments:

illustrationISM said...

50 FEET TALL!!! Amazing! Do they still have it in storage anywhere? or did they destroy it?

mark jaquette @
illustrationISM &
BAMmGRAPHICS

Mick said...

magnificently terrifying

Ann O'Dyne said...

Dear Illustrationism,
I hope that model/sculptor Krumins of Sidcup retained ownership and that his Estate treasures this wonder ...

on the other hand, the Chelsea Arts Balls were painted by the contemporary media as depraved wanton insane affairs, and the decor could conceivably not survive the celebrations.