The Cult of Beauty Exhibition at Wellcome Collection
Wellcome Collection’s new exhibition, ‘The Cult of Beauty’ is exploring how the notion of beauty changed over time and altered our perception on what we see beautiful and ugly. The exhibition invites visitors for a journey over the centuries, different cultures, genders, and race to explore how ideals and the beauty industry influenced and promoted what we see beautiful.
@urbanadventurerldn ? [BLOG POST IN BIO] This FREE exhibition at Wellcome Collection @Wellcome Collection is exploring how trends and the beauty industry altered our perception on what we see beautiful and ugly ?? ‘The Cult of Beauty’ invites visitors for a journey over the centuries, different cultures, genders, and race to explore how ideals and the beauty industry influenced and promoted what we see beautiful ? Over 200 historical artefacts, contemporary artworks, films, and other items, including a lipstick kiss from Kate Moss, an original bust of Nefertiti and an interactive installation you can touch and smell #thecultofbeauty #wellcomecollection #exhibitionlondon #beauty #beautyhistory #beautiful #beautystandards #CapCut
The Cult of Beauty
Photo: Urban Adventurer
‘The Cult of Beauty’ exhibition is divided into three sections: The Ideals of Beauty, The Industry Beauty, and Subverting Beauty.
The exhibition is exploring how the ideas about beauty were influenced morality, status, health, age, gender, and race by featuring over 200 historical artefacts, contemporary artworks, films, and other items.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Can you find the lipstick kiss from Kate Moss?
The Ideals of Beauty
Esquiline Venus and Idolino
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The Ideals of Beauty starts with an original bust of Nefertiti from around 1340 BC and continues with other historical artefacts, such as the two sculptures of Esquiline Venus and Idolino from the 500 BCE that represented the ideal male and female bodies at that time, as well as Ripley’s Scroll, produced by an unknown artist, named after British alchemist, George Ripley.
Ripley’s Scroll is a 17th century reproduction of the original scroll from the 15th century. The scroll presents alchemy as a secret science worthy of the king’s support. It showcases allegorical verse and imagery as well as alchemy improving upon nature and the process of elixir making.
A 24K Gold Serum is also on display. Drinkable gold was supposed to help the drinker to preserve their beauty and youth.
Male and female corsets and beauty patches a well as cosmetics kits are also on display from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Industry Beauty
Photo: Urban Adventurer
We might think that mass beauty products, such as lipstick and mascara are the products of modern technology. The usage of these cosmetics, however, are dating back to the ancient Egypt and even earlier.
The Industry Beauty section is showcasing a selection of antique make up tools and sets, including an Egyptian device for producing kohl as well as a burnished bronze mirror from 100 BC and some amazing make up kits from the 18th century.
In the modern age, commercial products have had a huge influence on our relationship with our own bodies as well as how we see each other.
Today as modern make up products, cosmetic appliances, and plastic surgery have become available to the wider public, we need to be more cautious because some of these products and services have life-changing effects.
Subverting Beauty
Photo: Urban Adventurer
In the last section of the exhibition, visitors are invited to immerse and connect by short films, a multi-screen installation, and an interactive sculpture, called ‘Beauty Sensorium’ that visitors can smell and touch.
‘Beauty Sensorium’ is built by scientists and a historian of Renaissance Italy to investigate 16th century skin and hair recipes.
Make sure you grab a leaflet when entering this room to learn more about the products the installation is showcasing.
Practical info
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Address
Wellcome Collection | 183 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BE
Opening Times
26 October 2023 – 28 April 2024
Mon: CLOSED
Tue & Wed: 10am – 6pm
Thurs: 10am – 8pm
Fri – Sun: 10am – 6pm
Tickets
FREE | NO booking required
Ready for your next adventure? ‘Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style’ is a fascinating exhibition at Museum of London Docklands leading you from the traditional tailors’ workshops of the East End to the glamorous boutiques of the West End while telling real stories about Jewish immigrants who founded the most famous high street brands and dressed celebrities, such as Mick Jagger or Princess Diana.