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Makeup is an essential part of fashion across time and around the world. This course offers a broad survey of the history of global makeup, from ancient Egypt and the Indus valley to the 21st century.
Susan North is the Curator of Fashion before 1800 at the V&A Museum. She has co-curated two exhibitions at the V&A and co-authored several V&A publications about early modern dress. Research for her book, Sweet and Clean? Bodies and Clothes in Early Modern England (2020) led Susan to historical ideas of beauty and its enhancement through cosmetics.
V&A online courses are such a find! Amazing course. Thank you! Previous V&A Academy Online Course Attendee
Enhancing the face is an essential part of fashion across time and around the world. This course offers a broad survey of the history of makeup, from ancient Egypt and the Indus valley to the 21st century, and across the globe. Included are discussions of makeup material culture—what pigments and materials did people use to colour and accentuate their faces? What parts of the face were highlighted and why? How did styles of makeup change over time? The varieties of containers of glass, ceramics and paper to hold makeup will be examined. We will also explore the history of the mirror—that other essential tool for painting one’s face.
Various cultures held conflicting opinions on the propriety of makeup, based on age, class, gender and religion and these moral concerns will be studied. Many makeup traditions began with the facial enhancements required for performance on stage and the course will look at the influence of stage and film on 20th-century makeup in North America and Europe.
The course will address the question: Is 21st-century makeup global or local or both?
V&A Academy Online courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live, or catch up later on demand. Download handouts and presentations. Join the discussion in a secure, closed class environment, wherever you are.
21 April 2023 - 26 May 2023
£120.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
Become a Member and enjoy free access to exhibitions, previews, priority booking, freshly curated content and much more.