Watts and Vader

Thanks to this year's Spectrum book (18) (I do so love that compilation of the year's best fantastical art), I was introduced to this gorgeous image from the Star Wars universe, entitled "Vader's Dream" by Kirk Reinert. It shows Vader / Anakin with his beloved Padme, and the Dark Side battling for him. Beautiful! But of course I also immediately admired the artist's classic Victorian art inspiration....


..."Hope" by Watts.


I still definitely think of this as a case of an artist taking a Victorian romantic image and making it their own in an admirable way. Even a non-Star Wars fan like me can get behind an image so lovely and symbolic.

More Effie Dakota

More shots of Dakota Fanning as Effie!

This one thanks to Phillip on Facebook, via this website. I LOVE this image, what with the Millais artworks right behind her.


These are freeze frames from some videos of photos posted on YouTube. No moving images, sadly, just photos, but I definitely think the costuming in this movie could be gorgeous too.

Effie Continuing Coverage

I for one am quite excited about the potential of another new film about a member of the Pre-Raphaelite Sisterhood. And yes, I definitely count Effie Millais as a member of that group. Above is a new (to me) promotional shot of Dakota Fanning as Effie. Beautifully Pre-Raphaelite looking, isn't she?

I'll be keeping a close eye on this one!

New image is from an interesting new article about the movie and its conflicts, here.

William Morris, le Carnet Rouge

So here it is..this was the second Pre-Raphaelite surprise to come my way this Christmas day. Via Raine on Facebook, I found out about this phenomenal-looking new book about William Morris' life and daydreams as a young child. Illustrated by Agata Kawa, the book is entirely in French (and I don't read a single word of it) and the images are just phenomenally beautiful.


Morris' floral patterns are rendered in organic and dream-like soft colors on each page.


I love this emblem, inspired by Morris' Dragon and Peacock design.


Recognize the Millais that inspired this?




The book is available on Amazon.co.uk

Doctor Who Christmas Special

Christmas Day yielded not one but two delightful Pre-Raphaelite surprises for all of us. First, there was the Christmas special episode of Doctor Who..

Yes, Doctor Who. I assume you're a fan, if you're already discriminating enough of taste to love the Brotherhood.



Yes, that IS William Morris "Compton" pattern, in the gorgeous manor house from the Doctor Who special.

More than that, I shall not say for those of you who haven't seen the episode yet. But it was indeed a special treat.

The second special discovery of Christmas, brought to my attention by Raine, to come tomorrow....

Pre-Raphaelite Artist Salon

As if I need another reason to make it to the Dickens Fair someday. Blog reader Sheila let me know about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood Artists Salon held at the event every year. Could that be more fun??

The group "presents a whole Adventurer Club 'hour' (actually 45 minutes) of PRB delights. The audience will see members drawing and painting models, they will also be given paper and pencil to join in (especially children), instruction if requested, with soft music or inspiring poetry being performed."

From my perusal of their Facebook page, it appears every weekend they feature a new combination of models, poses, and continue the story line of the Brotherhood in a gossipy way. For instance, here's a sample "article" detailing the events of one of the Salons:

Those defiant Pre-Raphaelites

(By William Stillman, an American Journalist in London)

Effie defiantly says she will prove it. E. Ruskin’s petition to have her marriage to J. Ruskin annulled, has been challenged by Ruskin who now insists that Effie prove her contention that the marriage was never consummated.

William Morris is now planning to travel to Iceland. His daughter, May, was overheard requesting him to bring her an Icelandic pony on his return.

“Top”, the wombat owned by the D.G. Rossetti has discovered the delights of tobacco, and has eaten the Adventurers Club special reserve of South American cigars.

A growing circle of Pre-Raphaelites will meet again this weekend at the Adventurers Club at 3:30 PM to sketch and read poetry. Miss Lizzie Siddal will pose as Ophelia for a second time. Her bathing mishap, while posing for J. Millais will not be repeated."

Whoever created this salon is my new personal hero. Three cheers for their brilliance!!!

Raine's Latest...the Trio -- Ruskin, Effie, Millais