Profiles of the Past – 250 years of silhouette portraiture

From about 1750, a silhouette was the most readily available means of portraiture. As a souvenir or a memento, they were quick and easy to produce – taking roughly five minutes. They were cheap to buy at about one shilling each (£2.50 today) and produced an accurate likeness of you, your loved ones, your dog, your cat or even your canary. 

From the grand houses to the avenues and streets, people had their silhouettes cut. In fashionable Regency Brighton, many famous silhouette cutters worked. The tradition continued, and Arthur Forrester was still cutting silhouettes at the end of the Palace Pier until the 1960s. Many older residents will remember and may have their own portraits somewhere.

Readers are invited to get to know this delightful form of portraiture at the Regency Town House, in Hove. They are curating an exhibition of 250 years of silhouettes, and offering much more besides: the exhibition itself comprises silhouettes with the costumes that match the fashions of their time, and silhouette cutting technology – the ‘silhouette chairs’. There are special sections highlighting silhouettes from World War One, Brighton silhouette artists, and female silhouette artists. In addition, there is a programme of events including lectures, opportunities to learn how to cut silhouettes, and the opportunity to have your own cut by renowned artist Charles Burns. There will also be a silhouettes roadshow so you can bring your own and have experts give you an opinion.
 

The Exhibition, Profiles of the Past – 250 years of silhouette portraiture, runs from1 August until 14 September 2014 at The Regency Town House, 13 Brunswick Square, Hove, BN3 1EH

For further details, visit: www.profilesofthepast.org.uk