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New Statesman
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Statesman
David Gentleman's pensées for the novice artist
David Gentleman. Courtesy of Pelican Books Among the 400 or so instructional letters sent by Lord Chesterfield to his illegitimate son in an attempt to school the young man in 'the Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman' there is one, dated 1747, that touches on the importance of art. 'I find that you are a tolerably good landscape painter, and can present the several views of Switzerland to the curious,' he wrote, 'I am very glad of it, as it is a proof of some attention.' Attention, the nobleman thought, was the key attribute not just of art but of life itself, since 'the world is a country which nobody ever yet knew by description'. Attention is also one of the elements stressed by the artist-designer David Gentleman in his own book of instruction, Lessons for Young Artists. Gentleman's is a more humble endeavour than Chesterfield's and is notable for its simplicity, but he too believes that to understand the world you need to be in it. He is now 95 and this charming, illustrated volume presents a distillation of some the wisdom gained during a near 80-year career. That span has seen him become one of Britain's most ubiquitous though least-known practitioners. On leaving the Royal College of Art in 1953 he set himself against teaching as a way of subsiding being an artist, as many of his peers did, and relied instead on commissions, for whatever was needed and wherever they came from. His first was for a set of wood engravings for a book called What About Wine? and, thanks to his versatility and inventiveness, they have kept coming. He hasn't always warmed to them, and one brief for an American company was, he later learned, for pesticides that had turned out to be poisonous for the farmers who used them. 'I realised that besides finding interesting and well-paid work, it ought to be responsible, too,' he notes. But, as he says in one of the short commentaries that explains each of his artistic nuggets, jobs are a necessity and, faced with a workaday task, 'I just had to get it done.' The reward, he says, was slow accumulation that eventually led to recognition and a reputation. Nevertheless, it was 20 years before he held an exhibition of his work. It helped that Gentleman was not just the son of two painters but was taught at the RCA by John Nash and Edward Bawden. It is a bloodline that links him directly to a group of figures who transformed British art in the first half of the 20th century, Paul Nash and Eric Ravilious among them. In the 1920s and 1930s the RCA was committed to the idea of allying art and design. Its principal, William Rothenstein, was determined to steer the students away from producing 'dreary imitations of Morris designs' and towards work that had a 'more alert spirit'. It was an ethos still prevalent when Gentleman studied there, and this heritage – and spirit – has long been apparent in his work. Indeed, Gentleman confesses that Bawden's influence in particular was in danger of becoming a little too insistent. When he noticed that there were echoes of his teacher cropping up in his own work, he 'consciously tried to avoid them'. This was not to denigrate Bawden but to make sure his own pictures were original rather than an imitation, however reverential. What makes Gentleman a significant figure is both the range and the quality of his work. He has found a form of artistic demotic that, certainly to Britons of a certain age, has a comfortable familiarity that nevertheless sparkles with imagination. Between 1962 and 2000, he created 103 stamps for the Post Office. His designs ranged from British trees, birds and building types to stamps commemorating the Battle of Britain, 50 years of the BBC, and the launch of Concorde. He has designed posters for London Transport and the National Trust and is responsible for a redesign of the Trust's oakleaf and acorn logo. He has created dustjackets for Faber & Faber and the New Penguin Shakespeare series – a staple for innumerable schoolchildren. He is responsible too for the platform murals at Charing Cross Tube Station showing the building of the Eleanor Cross, a 13th century stone monument; the commission came in 1975 with no brief from London Transport other than 'it had to explain how Charing Cross got its name'. He responded with a bande dessinée of 'medieval' wood engravings that were then expanded to life size. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Perhaps his most untypical work was with the placards he designed for the Stop the War Coalition following the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Using a typographical 'No' spattered with blood, he took advice from Tony Benn, whom he had first met when the latter served as postmaster general and Gentleman started designing stamps. For good measure, Gentleman was responsible for coming up with the 'Bliar' slogan too. So the guidance here comes from a long-lived and engaged mind. What Gentleman offers is the antidote to swathes of contemporary art-think and -speak. There is no talk in his book about 'meaning' or 'profundity', much less the wilful obfuscation and vapidity of much contemporary and conceptual art. Instead he proffers modest advice that in less authentic hands would be mere cracker-barrel slogans. Start with a pencil, he counsels, and draw quickly and then you'll get the essentials without being distracted by detail; sketch whatever is to hand; embrace the accidents of watercolour; return to motifs in different weathers and times of day; choose unlikely angles; look up. Attention, attention, attention. His pensées may not be worthy of Montesquieu but they are straightforward and have a validity that is applicable beyond the mere making of images: 'Keep your expectations slight'; 'Just get on with it'; 'You don't have to like, or be good at, everything'. And he accompanies these crisp strictures with a generous helping of his own pictures – drawings in pencil, pen and ink, wood engravings and lithographs, commercial designs and fully fledged watercolours, many from his travels. Some are from his patch of Camden Town in London (as in the view of Euston and King's Cross from the Regent's Canal, pictured above) and others are of the unshowy Suffolk countryside around the cottage he has owned for more than 40 years in a village ten miles from the coast. These pictures are invariably endearing, both observant and skilled, and, in his more considered watercolours, full of detail too. Part of their appeal is that they show a man in tune with the craft tradition; his are indisputably hand-eye works. And while David Gentleman must have looked into his soul many times over the years, he is far too good natured and well mannered to bother the viewer with what he has found there. Art, for him, is not knotted self-expression, revelation or provocation: 'We make art because it is interesting,' he says. It is not highfalutin, but it is a better definition than many. Lessons for Young Artists David Gentleman Particular Books, 192pp, £20 Purchasing a book may earn the NS a commission from who support independent bookshops [See more: Samuel Pepys's diary of a somebody] Related
NDTV
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
GV Prakash Joins Ex-Wife Saindhavi On Stage In Chennai For A Romantic Duet
New Delhi: Composer-actor GV Prakash Kumar and ex-wife singer Saindhavi shared the stage for a tribute concert held in Chennai. The former couple came together professionally for a live performance dedicated to late lyricist Na Muthukumar. It was their first public appearance together since their divorce in 2024. What's Happening At the event, GV Prakash and Saindhavi performed the romantic track Yaar Indha Saalai Oram from the 2013 film Thalaivaa, originally picturised on Vijay and Amala Paul. The clip went viral in no time. Their jugalbandi received applause both online and offline. Emphasising professionalism, GV Prakash had earlier said, "We are extreme professionals, and we have respect for each other." GVPrakash & Saindhavi singing 'Yar Andha saalai Oram' song together at NaMuthukumar Tribute function ♥️🫶 — AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) July 21, 2025 GV Prakash And Saindhavi Divorce The duo informed fans about their decision by issuing an official statement on social media. In a post shared in May 2024, the Soorarai Pottru music director wrote, "After much reflection, Saindhavi and I have decided to part ways after 11 years of marriage. For the sake of our mental peace and betterment while preserving our mutual respect for each other. We kindly ask the Media, friends and fans to understand and respect our privacy during this deeply personal transition. Acknowledging that we are growing apart, we believe this is the best decision for each other. Your understanding and support means a lot during this difficult time. Thank You." For the unversed, G V Prakash Kumar is the nephew of Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman. GV Prakash Kumar married his childhood sweetheart Saindhavi back in 2013. They welcomed a baby girl in 2020. GV Prakash Kumar made his singing debut with Rahman's music for the film Gentleman in 1993 while Saindhavi made her film debut in 2004 with the song Andangaka Kondakari from Anniyan.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The Gentleman cast strip off to swimwear as they soak up the sun on break from filming hit show
THE Gentleman cast ditched their suits for swimwear as they soaked up the sun during a sizzling break from filming the hit Netflix drama. Stars of the show, including Theo James, Harry Goodwins, Ruby Sear and Kaya Scodelario, showed off their beach bodies as they relaxed in the sunshine between scenes. 6 6 6 The cast were seen relaxing in the lush garden of the Grand Hotel Majestic, nestled on the picturesque shores of Italy's Lake Maggiore. Soaking up the sun and sharing laughs, the actors looked in high spirits as they lounged by the water, sipped cold drinks and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. It was a welcome breather in between the gritty action and fast-paced drama the show is known for, with the cast making the most of their time filming in one of Italy's most glamorous locations. The series, which was created by Guy Ritchie, gained a cult audience when it dropped on Netflix last year. Theo's character Eddie unexpectedly inherited his father's country estate. However, he was left unaware that it was home to an underground cannabis empire. After being sucked into the vicious world of crime, viewers watched as Theo got a taste for it all towards the end of the series, working with the ruthless Susie Glass. During series one's first month on the platform it clocked up a staggering 44 million viewers. Confirming its recommission, Netflix bosses revealed a series two with eight new episodes. Season two has officially begun filming, meaning fans will not have a long wait to see what's next for Eddie and his family. Theo James flashes his privates in full frontal bathroom scene leaving White Lotus viewers shocked As they drive to expand their enterprise, the decisions Bobby is making seem to be increasingly unsound. Now, Eddie and Susie must decide whether to take action or risk losing it all, but unfettered ambition never ends well. Guy Ritchie has confirmed he's back on set for the second season of The Gentlemen, revealing: "I am delighted to return to set for season two of The Gentlemen. "This chapter sees a deliberate expansion, both geographically and thematically, as we journey from the English countryside to the Italian lakes. "Eddie and Susie find themselves navigating an increasingly volatile empire as they're besieged on all fronts by an influx of enigmatic new players. "The stakes are heightened, the power dynamics are more precarious, and I'm thrilled to be collaborating once again with this exceptional cast and crew." Theo James, Kaya Scodelario and Daniel Ings will reprise their roles. The new season will also see the return of Ray Winstone, Joely Richardson, Vinnie Jones, Jasmine Blackborow, Michael Vu, Harry Goodwins, Pearce Quigley and Giancarlo Esposito. Joining the cast for season two will be Hugh Bonneville, Benjamin Clementine, Benedetta Porcaroli, Michele Morrone, Sergio Castellitto, Amra Mallassi and Tyler Conti. British professional boxer Chris Eubank Jr and Love Island host Maya Jama will also be making an appearance. She will play the glamorous wife of a shady associate connected to Eddie Horniman. There is no firm date for the new season's launch on Netflix. 6 6 6
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
LookFantastic slashes designer Givenchy aftershave by 50% in Boots-beating deal
LookFantastic slashes designer Givenchy aftershave by 50% in Boots-beating deal Just in time for Father's Day, the designer Givenchy Gentleman Original is now cheaper on LookFantastic than Boots Aftershave makes a great Father's Day gift (stock image) (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) LookFantastic has slashed the price of a classic scent in half in time for Father's Day in a price that's better than Boots. Givenchy Gentleman Original Eau de Toilette would normally cost £88 but has dropped down to £44 on the shopping giant. Gentleman opens up spicy with notes of tarragon and cinnamon before settling into a musky heart of patchouli and vetiver and settling into a smoky base of Russian leather. This is a great option for fans of Jazz Club by Maison Margiela (£62 for 30ml) who are looking for something a little less sweet. There aren't any directly overlapping notes but both scents blend smoky notes with spices to create something alluring. READ MORE: Elizabeth Arden capsules that 'boost confidence' and 'get people compliments on skin' are 53% off READ MORE: 'I swapped my morning coffee for a protein shake and was shocked by the results' Gentleman is also a good option for fans of Terre d'Hermès (£62.90 on Sephora) who are looking for something less zesty Gentleman has not pulled in any reviews on LookFantastic but over on Boots, where Gentleman is available for £59, it's got an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. One shopper said: "After all these years, it still helps to attract females although my wife helps me resist temptation! Actually, my wife bought me this when we were engaged 47 years ago and I haven't changed choice since! (That's wife AND fragrance!!!)" Another wasn't too impressed with the longevity, saying: "Not as strong as it used to be and the longevity seems to have diminished. Still a good smell though." Givenchy Gentleman Original Eau de Toilette 100ml £88.00 £44.00 LookFantastic Buy Now on LookFantastic Product Description A woody aromatic fragrance with a Russian leather accord. One happy shopper said: "Exactly as expected, my husband had this aftershave when we were courting, and the smell is still the same." Article continues below Another added: "One very happy customer. Packaging though unimportant to me is fine.. and even if it wasn't don't you throw it away anyway? Regards the longevity of the after shave, it lasts me all evening. Though I guess if you worked on a turnip farm you may need an extra splash!" Givenchy Gentleman Original Eau de Toilette is available for £44 now on LookFantastic.
Mint
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Bill Clinton & James Patterson's thriller ‘The First Gentleman': A murder, a cheerleader, and a Presidency on the line
Former US President Bill Clinton and thriller writer James Patterson have reunited for a gripping new novel, The First Gentleman, set to hit shelves on June 2, 2025. The book marks the duo's third high-stakes political thriller following their successes The President Is Missing (2018) and The President's Daughter (2021). At the heart of The First Gentleman is an explosive premise: the President of the United States is a woman—and her husband stands trial for murder. President Madeline Wright is facing re-election when the nation is rocked by allegations that her husband, Cole Wright, a former NFL star and now First Gentleman, murdered a cheerleader nearly two decades earlier. As the legal drama unfolds, the stakes go far beyond the courtroom. The accusation threatens to derail Wright's political career and destroy her efforts to pass a crucial economic reform package dubbed the 'Grand Bargain.' Unlike their previous thrillers, Clinton and Patterson shift the spotlight in The First Gentleman to two dogged investigative journalists—Brea Cooke, a lawyer-turned-reporter, and her partner Garrett Wilson. The duo becomes central to the plot as they dig into the long-cold case of Suzanne Bonanno, a Patriots cheerleader who disappeared while allegedly involved with Cole Wright 17 years earlier. What begins as a journalistic investigation spirals into a sprawling political and legal thriller, with the reporters uncovering hidden motives, and deadly secrets that threaten to shake the White House. Packed with courtroom confrontations, political sabotage, and high-stakes decision-making, The First Gentleman combines Patterson's trademark pacing with Clinton's insider knowledge. The novel promises readers an intense ride through the corridors of power, media scrutiny, and a murder mystery that could determine the future of a presidency. Clinton and Patterson's unique collaboration has already yielded millions in book sales and popular acclaim. With The First Gentleman, they explore uncharted territory—America's first female president and the unprecedented scenario of a First Gentleman accused of murder. The book continues the duo's tradition of blending real-world insight with page-turning suspense. The First Gentleman goes on sale June 2, 2025, and is published by Little, Brown and Company.
