Laura Gascoigne

The gloriously indecent life and art of Aubrey Beardsley

In seven short years the illustrator mastered the art of outrage

issue 07 March 2020

Picture the young aspirant with the portfolio of drawings pitching up nervously at the eminent artist’s studio, only to be turned away at the door by a servant; then the master catching up with him, inviting him in and delivering the verdict on his portfolio: ‘I seldom or never advise anyone to take up art as a profession; but in your case I can do nothing else.

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