“Finding Beauty” merges costumes, drawings and more from Ocala Civic Theatre’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” with the objects from the Appleton collection that inspired them.
Based on Rococo-style works in the collection, OCT’s costumes borrow patterns, colors and motifs from objects such as a Louis XIV-type clock and wardrobe, as well as fine porcelain objects and elaborate candelabra.
Along with showcasing the inspiration objects, the exhibition also highlights the creative design process and how a static object, such as a clock, can eventually become the costume for a living actor to magically transform into a character such as Cogsworth. The exhibition also includes set photos, video, and sketches by OCT’s award-winning costume designer Eryn Brooks Brewer, a touch table of fabrics and costume embellishments, a photo op with props, and more.
Want to learn more about “Finding Beauty”?
Click here to check out the “Finding Beauty” Gallery Guide.
Image: A composite of (left) Eryn Brooks Brewer, “Costume Rendering for Cogsworth,” Ink on paper. Courtesy of the Ocala Civic Theatre and (right) Pierre-Guillaume Bausse (French, active in Paris 1802-1820), “French Mantle Clock,” First quarter of 19th century, Wood, ormolu, enamel, bronze and brass, Gilt bronze mounts marked HPR (Henri Picard, French, active in Paris 1831- 1864). Gift of Arthur I. Appleton.