ARTISTS AND THE THEATRE
Since the early Renaissance the theatre was a setting for magnificent productions of drama, ballet and opera and through the use of ornate costumes, complex stage sets and ingenious machinery, these performances were the source of wonder and awe. Painters, sculptors, fashion designers and architects have been understandably drawn to the theatre which has hugely benefitted from their talent and inspiration and we look at how they have shaped stage design in all its forms from the development of perspective to 21st century technologies.
JOANNA MABBUTT is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers and Freeman of the City of London. Originally a trained singer, pianist and orchestra administrator, Jo is now a decorative artist who gilds antique lace and crochet, often combining with hand printing and painting. She works to commission, sells through galleries and exhibitions and collaborates with other designers.
Jo trained in wood graining, marbling, gilding, specialist paint finishes and interior design and was awarded the City & Guilds Silver Medal for Excellence in 2000. She taught in further education for 8 years on Art & Design National Diploma and Foundation courses then up-skilled at Central St Martin's College of Art & Design developing her own practice. She now divides her time as a designer/maker, lecturer and tutor running workshops for specialist groups.
