Mucha brings Art Nouveau to the Walker Art Gallery

Posters of Art Nouveau beauties with golden flowing locks graced the walls of more than a few student bedrooms in the 1980s – thanks mostly to Athena stores across the country.

Now there is a chance to see the original stunning works by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha, which are currently on show at the Walker Art Gallery.

Alphonse Mucha: In Quest of Beauty is a touring exhibition from the Mucha Foundation no less, showcasing around 100 works including drawings, paintings, photographs and a rare Mucha sculpture, all exploring the theme of beauty.

The show also includes a number of key Aesthetic and Art Nouveau works from National Museums Liverpool’s own collections, as well as sculptures by Auguste Rodin, a friend of Mucha’s.

Alphonse Mucha rose to prominence in Paris in the 1890s, where he became renowned for his beautiful and elegant decorative designs and illustrations that featured on posters and product advertisements.

Works due to be on show include Gismonda, the first of six theatrical designs produced by Mucha for the French actress Sarah Bernheardt, and which helped to make his name.

Xanthe Brooke, the Walker’s Curator of European Fine Art, says: “The works of Alphonse Mucha are undoubtedly some of the most widely-recognised examples of the Art Nouveau style, and still a popular choice for interior decoration and design.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Walker to see a huge array of his works, showing the depth of style and skill that Mucha employed to ensure an artistic legacy that lives on today.”

Alphonse Mucha: In Quest of Beauty runs until October 29. Tickets are £7/£5 concessions available to buy online at www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/mucha.

Visitors aged 18 and under go free, as do NML members.

Top: Waverley Cycles 1898. Copyright Mucha Trust