Whats Happening in the World of Arts

Pochoirs
This online exhibition of pochoir images is hosted by the Smithsonian Institution website. Called `Vibrant Visions' this collection of pochoir illustrations have been selected from the collection in the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum library, and can be viewed either by category; by artist, illustrator, designer; or by journals and books. Artists include Sonia Delaunay and George Barbier. Particuarly popular in France in the early 1900s, pochoir prints are richly coloured illustrations that are created by using a stencil process. The 35 images in this resource feature designs for interiors, furniture, decorative book bindings, fashion plates and colourful patterns. A useful bibliography is also provided, as well as information on the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum Library.
Link: http://www.sil.si.edu/ondisplay/pochoir/


Industrial Drawings
The Smithsonian Institution Libraries website has provided this online exhibition of `Doodles, Drafts and Designs: Industrial Drawings from the Smithsonian`. The 77 objects in this exhibition represent industrial drawings in the collections of the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian Institution Libraries and range from working drawings to more finished designs, with some printed either as sales material or as part of a patent application. The exhibition is arranged under four headings; `Working it out', `Convincing', `Controlling' and 'Recording' and each image is accompanied by a brief description. The site can also be searched by the nine designers and engineers represented in this exhibition.
Link: http://www.sil.si.edu/exhibitions/doodles/


Festival of Britain Film
The National Archives website has provided online access to a documentary film on the Festival of Britain held in London in 1951. Originally produced in 1951 as a public information film for the Central Office of Information for Commonwealth Retlations Office, this nine-minute film can be viewed with a Windows Media Player or QuickTime in either high or low quality. This colour film shows all the various areas of the festival with a large number of visitors enjoying the facilities, as well as an overview of sculptures, demonstrations and objects on display. The last section features the funfair and activities held at Battersea as part of this festival. Six film screenshots are also provided, together with a text version of the film.
Link: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/films/1945to1951/filmpage_fil.htm


Exploring 20th Century London
The `Exploring 20th Century London' website has provided this resource on art and design that was influenced by the city itself. A general overview is given with links to more detailed information and images relating to artists and designers particularly connected with London, including the designer of the Tube Map, Henry (Harry) Beck; poster artist Tom Eckersley; station designer Leslie Green and fashion designer, Mary Quant. Pages also cover relevant organisations such as Biba, Picture Post and Whitefriars, and subjects such as Art Deco style, London Fashion designers, London Transport posters and war artists.
Link: http://www.20thcenturylondon.org.uk/server.php?show=nav.37


Europa Film Treasures
Europa Film Treasures is a substantial EU-funded online archive of classic vintage films from across Europe. The 50 digitised films can be viewed online and they date from 1895 to the 1970s. The films have been drawn from film institutes across Europe and beyond. Films are presented with a short history and description.
Link: http://www.europafilmtreasures.eu/