Sex and Sensibility: The Allure of Art Nouveau: Paris

SYNOPSIS

Stephen Smith presents a history of the early 20th-century art and design movement, beginning by exploring how it changed the face of Paris. He examines pieces of jewellery created by Rene Lalique, analyses Alphonse Mucha's posters of actress Sarah Bernhardt and visits locations that epitomise the art nouveau style, including Maxim's restaurant. He also discusses why creative thinkers including architect Hector Guimard and glass-maker Emile Galle believed their work could inspire social change.