Episode Eleven: Aubrey Beardsley

One of the most controversial and stunning artists of the Art Nouveau movement, illustrator Beardsley’s work was preoccupied with erotica & legend, and he was a significant figure in the movement. He produced images which were dark, perverse and grotesque - much of which was circulated privately amongst his group of friends, London’s infamous ‘sexual deviant’ crew, of which his mentor was Oscar Wilde ♥ Although he was published extensively, rumour has it that many of his images weren’t.

Aubrey Beardsley’s work was of the Aesthetic movement, the British counterpart to Decadence and Symbolism (both predominantly French) and he used black ink to create his highly recognisable Japanese Woodcuts - Inspired illustrations. We love the Nouveau movement at Ballad, Ballad Of Mary Maud was “the Nouveau issue” intricate and highly stylised we cannot get enough.

Beardsley died at 25…25! such an influential and extensive body of work to die so young. As with his entire set, controversy and scandal surrounded him during his life and after his death. The question of his sexuality, or lack thereof, and incestuous rumours still surround this fascinating figure…

“I have one aim - the grotesque. If I am not grotescque I am nothing” - Aubs

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