British Universities Film & Video Council

moving image and sound, knowledge and access

Thomas Gainsborough

Synopsis
The perennially popular paintings of Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788) have long been recognised as embodying the sophistication and elegance of Georgian England. The inventiveness and complexity of his techniques remain as dazzling today as they were to his contemporaries. He was among the first British artists to show his work in public exhibitions, and throughout his life he was committed to creating a modern art with modern subjects.

Produced alongside Tate Britain’s major Gainsborough exhibition, this film explores his portraits and his landscapes as well as the sentimental images of children and the poor which seem so alien to sensibilities now. Detailed interviews with the exhibition’s curators Michael Rosenthal and Martin Myrone celebrate Gainsborough’s achievements at the same time as outlining the historical and social contexts of his work.
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Year of release
2002
Year of production
2002
Documentation
The book ‘Gainsborough’
edited by Michael Rosenthal and Martin Myrone is available separately from Tate Publishing
ISBN: 1 85437 397 8
Subjects
Art
Keywords
Gainsborough, Thomas (1727-88); landscapes; paintings - British; portrait painting

Distribution Formats

Type
DVD
Format
Region 0 PAL
Price
£12.99
Availability
Sale
Duration/Size
35 minutes
Year
2011

Distributor

Name

Illuminations

Email
louise@illuminationsmedia.co.uk
Web
http://www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk External site opens in new window
Phone
020 7288 8400
Address
Studio 121, ScreenWorks
22 Highbury Grove
London
N5 2EF
Notes
Illuminations produces and distributes programmes on arts-related subjects, some of which are made for television and others in conjunction with cultural institutions to accompany specific exhibitions. Many titles are available for sale on DVD, including continuing series on leading contemporary and twentieth century artists and modern architecture, as well as a few programmes on religion, drama, history and ideas.

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