474 (4 votes, average 5.00 out of 5) The golden age of the Ballets Russes 1909 - 1929Dictator, devil, charlatan, sorcerer and charmer. Not a particularly endearing description, but when applied to Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev, founder of the Ballets Russes, it curiously feels like a compliment. The V&A is paying homage to the patron with an exhibition  reflecting the influence his dance company had, and continues to have, across the Arts. The collection includes an elaborate range of costumes, paintings, sculpture, prints and archive footage created by designers and artists such as Degas, Matisse, Picasso, Yves Saint Laurent and Jean Cocteau.
The avant-garde nature of Ballets Russes, with its striking set designs, beautifully elaborate costumes and ground-breaking choreography was an instant success when launched to the public in 1909. Diaghilev was a true innovator who sought to create something new in dance by ensuring that every element of each production stood up on its own and that the experience was a spectacle for the viewer. The scores he commissioned from the likes of Stravinsky and Prokofiev provide a lasting legacy as they continue to be performed all over the world today and in the world of fashion, designer Yves Saint Laurent has created a number of collections drawing influence from the costumes worn by the dancers.
Because of Diaghilev's far-reaching influence, the exhibition covers an immense variety of styles, genres and artists. And there is a lot to get through. Dominating one of the rooms is an enormous backdrop for the production "The Firebird" designed by Natalia Goncharova. At more than 50ft in height, it's an awe-inspiring image of old Russia in opulent oranges and blues and guaranteed to make the spectator feel very tiny indeed! The range of costumes on display is impressive too. Leon Bakst's costumes for principal dancer Vaslav Nijinsky feature silk tunics embossed with hundreds of metal studs and pearls and embroidered with applique roses and circles. The sheer detail making the costumes heavy and difficult to dance in, a definite case of style winning over comfort. A range of designs by Yves Saint Laurent from the 70s and 90s are particularly interesting as they show how Russian style from the 1900s with a Middle Eastern twist translates to an evolving contemporary look. Featuring a velvet bandeau top edged with beads and full velvet embroidered skirt, high waisted mustard trousers decorated with red sequins and topped off with a jaunty fez to a gorgeous signature harlequin jacket with velvet knickerbockers and silk tassel belt. 471 (9 votes, average 4.67 out of 5) Armour Wearing - It is forbidden for MPs to wear suits of armour in the House of Commons - apparently it hinders the process of duelling. It is also illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament - since anyone dying in Parliament would be legally entitled to a state funeral.
Scots Injustice - In the city of York, it is legal to murder a Scotsman within the ancient city walls,  but only if he is carrying a crossbow. Except on Sundays when he can wander around with impunity.
Beached Whales - Any whale discovered on the British Coast, must be offered to the Crown. The head belongs to the King and the tail goes to the Queen for use in making her corsets. Unfortunately, corsetry was made using the baleen plates, which are actually found in the head. So this law was of no practical use when launched in the 14th century, but has somehow survived. In reality the Natural History Museum is contacted when whales become beached.
Bovine Driving - One may not drive a cow while drunk. The Licensing Act of 1872 explains that operating a cow while intoxicated carries a prison sentence or a £200 fine.
Pelican Touching - Section 23 of the London, Royal and Other Parks & Gardens Regulations of 1977 states that 'Touching a pelican' is expressly forbidden, unless prior written permission is obtained. Presumably from the park, rather than the pelican.
Pensioner Impersonating - Dressing up as a Chelsea Pensioner is illegal in the UK, due to their status as national treasures. | 472 (6 votes, average 5.00 out of 5) Lost ProfessionsAmid the current turbulent period of job losses and upheaval, some occupations are inevitably consigned to the scrapheap; usually through some form of progress. This article looks at professions which used to exist in London, but are now thankfully a distant memory.
Crossing Sweepers: The Crossing Sweeper's main function was cleaning muck from the streets and pavements. 100,000 horses plied the streets of London in the 19th century, offloading 1,000 tons of manure daily, so there was plenty or work to go around. The Crossing Sweeper would attempt to keep  a path clear for ladies with long skirts and delicate slippers and gentlemen in their finest garments. The job was all-hands-to-the-pump during wet and miserable weather, and usually undertaken by young children. During mild, dry and warm weather they might switch their attention to hailing cabs and opening their doors instead, for a small tip. It was an incredibly strenuous job, and would often mean 'trench building' through the muck which was up to a foot deep.
Climbing Boy: to be a good Climbing Boy, you had to be small and thin, which usually meant 'very young'. Hazardous in the extreme, even most poor families who were otherwise interested in selling their children into labour, would baulk at the Chimney Sweep profession. As a result, most were recruited from orphanages. The Climbing Boy would climb up each chimney (there was usually a flue and fireplace in every room of a large house), hand sweeping the soot from the sides as he went. He would not receive money, just a floor to sleep on and some bread and beer as payment. Plus of course, regular beatings to keep him motivated and light on his toes. If he got stuck, the master (Chimney Sweep) would often light a fire to 'encourage' him to escape by climbing higher. Life expectancy for a Climbing Boy hovered just below double digits. Cadbury has created 'Spots and Stripes' which you've no doubt seen advertised on the TV recently - and it's on in London this weekend:But what is it exactly?To celebrate being the official treat provider to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Cadbury has created Spots v Stripes – the biggest, longest, most fun game ever.
Remember a time when all you did was play games? British Bulldog, Keepy Uppy, Hop Scotch, Marbles, Hide & Seek…When the only structure to your  day was when your mum called you in for your tea? Spots v Stripes has been created to roll back the years and re-introduce everyone to the fun of playing team games. Anybody can play, at any time, with anyone. Cadbury will be inviting the nation to divide into two teams – the Spots and the Stripes, and to participate all you need to do is join one of the teams, sign up on the website and begin playing games. Any game will count – from kiss chase (big in my day) to eye-spy, arm wrestling to shoe golf; as long as you can score a point, you can play it.
Join our play professors for a two-day city event of the most smile-worthy, giggle inducing, silly billy games you'll have played since your formative years! From Thumb Wrestling to Eyeball (a test of your balance and determination) to Slide Dunk (a cunning twist on basketball), there are more games than you can shake a pooh stick at… |
London By Londoners 
Author: Jane Seery | 