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Keeping up Appearances

Mark Tully investigates our preoccupation with appearances and asks why fashion is such an important part of the human condition, in a rich mix of literature, music and interview.

Mark Tully examines the human preoccupation with fashion and the importance we so often attach to appearances. He asks why looking one's best can be so important on spiritual, domestic and social planes.

In a programme that touches on fashion as displayed on Neolithic statues, in the court of Louis XIV and on contemporary catwalks, Mark talks to fashion historian Dr. Chris Breward, Professor of Cultural History at Edinburgh University, and introduces readings from William Hazlitt, Pat Parker and Mary Quant.

He also plays music by court composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, Peter Philips and the Cherry Poppin' Daddies.

The readers are Adjoa Andoh and Michael Feast.

Producer: Frank Stirling
A Unique production for 大象传媒 Radio 4

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 4 Apr 2021 23:30
大象传媒 Radio 4

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In the Interest of Boredom

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Music Played

  • Jean鈥怋aptiste Lully

    Ballet De La Nuit - Ouverture

    Performer: Musica Antiqua K枚ln.
    • Le Roi Danse 聳 Bande Originale Du Film.
    • Deutsche Grammophon GmbH.
    • 463 446-2.

  • Peter Philips

    Ave Jesu Christe

    Performer: Salisbury Cathedral Choir, Richard Seal & David Halls;.
    • Anthems for America.
    • Meridian.
    • CDE 84180.

  • Jean-Baptiste Arban

    Theme & Variations on The Carnival of Venice聮

    Performer: John Wilbraham.
    • The World of Trumpet.
    • Decca.
    • 0289 443 3942.

  • Stanley Holloway

    Brahn Boots

    • Stanley Holloway.
    • EMI.

  • Steve Perry

    Zoot Suit Riot

    Performer: Cherry Poppin鈥� Daddies.
    • Zoot Suit Riot single.
    • Universal.

  • Brummelliana by William Hazlitt

    William Hazlitt聮s essay on the Regency fashion icon Beau Brummel

  • Describing a Suit by Kahlil Gibran

    Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran describes a suit which made him stand out.

  • Quant on Quant by Mary Quant

    Extract from Mary Quant memoir describing her groundbreaking high-paced fashion shows

  • Carapace by Rose Flint

    Poet Rose Flint warns that we need to be very careful about dressing to disguise our age

  • My Lady Ain't No Lady by Pat Barker

    Pat Barker聮s poem celebrating unladylike behaviour

Broadcasts

  • Sun 12 Jan 2014 06:05
    大象传媒 Radio 4 FM
  • Sun 12 Jan 2014 23:30
    大象传媒 Radio 4
  • Sun 4 Apr 2021 06:05
    大象传媒 Radio 4
  • Sun 4 Apr 2021 23:30
    大象传媒 Radio 4