Proposal 1

 

DVD Video projection(s)​

Concept: 

The iconic Venetian scenes depicted on John Chute’s collection of Lattimo Ware plates evoke images of the city’s celebrated masked carnivals. Chute would probably have encountered these during ‘The Grand Tour’ and I propose to make a short film with audio soundtrack (length negotiable) that imagines a party in which he re-created, and re-located to the Vyne, some of the spectacle and intrigue of an 18th century carnival.I will use a previously explored methodology, ie. responding to a site/social grouping by designing and making costumes/props and developing a mythology inspired by the site’s heritage. Through a series of vibrant moving/still tableaux I intend to convey an enigmatic and abstracted dramatization of ensuing events as Chute, Horace Walpole and ‘The Committee on Taste’ abandon their responsibilities.The narrative has yet to be fully developed but is inspired by The Commedia dell'arte performances; in this case, 3 or 4 male actors cast as Harlequin, Columbine, jugglers, musicians, acrobats, puppeteers, fortune-tellers and animals/birds will re-enact themes of intrigue, secrecy, love, pursuit, jealousy.

 

Filming locations:

Using The Staircase Hall, The Vestibule and The Stone Gallery will highlight Chute’s contribution to the theatricality of The Vyne’s architecture whilst the Summerhouse and other more discreet interior and exterior locations will provide intimate and enigmatic backdrops.Mis en scene:I will distort, blur and manipulate certain visual elements for example, footsteps on a staircase, drinking, dancing, card playing, a flirtation or the reading of a letter to create ambiguity and mystery.Installation: Visitors to the house could encounter either a single projection within one space, or a series of episodic projections in various locations (as appropriate) which will ‘activate’ the room(s) as they walk around.​​​

 

 

Proposal 2

Installation of costumes and objects

 

I intend to draw upon the paintings of iconic Venetian scenes depicted on John Chute’s collection of Lattimo Ware plates that evoke images of the city’s celebrated masked carnivals. I imagine a scenario in which Chute re-created and re-located some of the intrigue and spectacle of an 18th century Venetian carnival to a party at the Vyne; Horace Walpole and close friends who shared their cultural and aesthetic interests would be the guests.I propose to design, construct and display around the house, costumes and props (please refer to the designs in Proposal 1) that are inspired by characters such as Harlequin and Columbine from the Comedia dell’arte performances that Chute would have probably experienced during ‘The Grand Tour’. I would like visitors to encounter these items strewn on furniture, statues etc., in locations within the house and possibly the Summerhouse as if they have stumbled upon the discarded detritus and aftermath of a party. It would allude to the idea that Chute and his friends on ‘The Committee on Taste’ had temporarily abandoned their usual decorum when indulging in the frivolity and fun of a masquerade party.

This additional design could be incorporated into a shield, a printed/appliquéd pennant/flag/badge or elements could be taken for use in costumes/props. It references Chute’s life and interests both at home and abroad; his friendship with Walpole, his architectural associations and his knowledge of genealogy are represented alongside aspects of The Vyne’s heritage and Venice’s Grand Canal. I have also acknowledged Chute’s appreciation of Gothic and neo-classical styling in the palette.

 

Research

I intend to carry out my research using library resources, the V & A and The Manchester Costume Galleries, The Hampshire Records Office and The Vyne itself. 

 

Sharon McElroy 30 July 2012

 

Evaluation of the experience

 

This was a very ambitious project

Some practical and technical issues arose due the location and the  inaccessibility of the Vyne, access was quite limited.

I acted as project manager for my own work co-oordinating a team of actors and crew  and well as being the commissioned artist . 

 

There were some difficulties that  related to co-ordinating those involved ; 

Arranging  mutually convenient times for the shoot with the venue, 4 actors and a cameraman and myself was quite challenging 

Likewise arranging fittings, rehearsals, technical assitance with costumes( I designed and made 4 which was probably a bit too ambitious although it was achieved.) 

Having a cameraman took a huge pressure off me but  there were issues with compatibility of software and cameras from the beginnning which were overcome.This will alert me to research the compatibility of the equipment well in advance.

 

I feel that I managed this, at times complex project, very well. I  adopted  multiple  roles and  brought together a group of people who had not previously worked together, and who formed a productive and successful team.  

​This was a very successful and positive experience, which was generously  facilitated by our host venue  and  a very supportive group of curators.