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A Compact History of Makeup Around the World
Online course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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.
- Learn from our world-class experts wherever, whenever: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time.
- Time to explore: more than 12 hours of study over 6 weeks.
- Consolidate your learning: download lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials from our secure Microsoft Teams learning environment.
- Join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
- Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials are available for up to 6 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a minute.
Course Leader
Susan North
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
Course overview
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. A learning environment you can trust.
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.
Enrol now
Online course: A Compact History of Makeup Around the World
21 April 2023 - 26 May 2023
£120.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
