Step into the glittering world of fashion, scandal and shameless self-promotion that made John Singer Sargent the painter who defined an era.
Explore the unique creative process of the late 19th century’s favourite portrait artist and the way in which his portraits captured the spirit of a vibrant and rapidly changing age.
Presented by Harrogate Film Society in partnership with the Friends of the Mercer Gallery.
EXHIBITION ON SCREEN : John Singer Sargent: Fashion & Swagger - November 6 2024 @ 7pm
John Singer Sargent is known as the greatest portrait artist of his era. What made his ‘swagger’ portraits remarkable was his power over his sitters, what they wore and how they were presented to the audience. Through interviews with curators, contemporary fashionistas and style influencers, Exhibition on Screen’s film will examine how Sargent’s unique practice has influenced modern art, culture and fashion.
Filmed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Tate Britain, London, the exhibition reveals Sargent’s power to express distinctive personalities, power dynamics and gender identities during this fascinating period of cultural reinvention. Alongside 50 paintings by Sargent sit stunning items of clothing and accessories worn by his subjects, drawing the audience into the artist’s studio.
Sargent’s sitters were often wealthy, their clothes costly, but what happens when you turn yourself over to the hands of a great artist? The manufacture of public identity is as controversial and contested today as it was at the turn of the 20th century, but somehow Sargent’s work transcends the social noise and captures an alluring truth with each brush stroke.


Only 70 tickets available, including one wheelchair space. Please get in touch to reserve this (before you buy a ticket) by emailing Julia - contact.harrogatefilmsociety@gmail.com
• Tickets cost £12 . (Under 25's £6). Discounts available for HFS members and the Friends of the Mercer Gallery (FOM).
• Book online now to guarantee your place. A small processing fee will be applied to all tickets.
• Your ticket price includes a brief introduction from one of our Friends at the Mercer Gallery and a glass of wine or soft drink.
• Doors will open at 6.30pm and the film introduction will start at 7pm.
• Unreserved seating.
• Parking is free after 6pm if you display a voucher obtained from the Odeon lobby.

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