Melanie McDonagh

ABOUT

Melanie McDonagh is a columnist, arts critic and feature writer. She covers art exhibitions and also does some leader writing, interviews and occasional beauty/fragrance features.... MORE

ABOUT
VIEW

Melanie McDonagh is a columnist, arts critic and feature writer. She covers art exhibitions and also does some leader writing, interviews and occasional beauty/fragrance features.

<p>Miss Black & Beautiful Sybil McLean with fellow contestants, Raphael Albert, Hammersmith Palais, London, 1972</p>
Exhibitions

The Cult of Beauty, Wellcome Collection: we've always been obsessed

The museum's new show encourages us to disapprove of our preoccupation with beauty standards, but it's been part of society for ever

25 Oct 2023
Exhibitions

The Rossettis at Tate Britain review: sensuousness and big hair

There’s poetry on the walls in this fascinating examination of these mainstays of the Pre-Raphaelite movement

4 Apr 2023
<p>Detail of At the Ball, by Berthe Morisot, 1875</p>
Exhibitions

Berthe Morisot at the Dulwich Picture Gallery review: phenomenal

The painter, who helped shape Impressionism, was at the centre of the Paris art world at its most exciting

29 Mar 2023
<p>Dog of the Hanava Breed by Jean-Jacques Bachelier, 1768</p>
Exhibitions

Portraits of Dogs at the Wallace Collection: a doggie treat

This exhibition of art featuring man’s best friend spans centuries, from a second century sculpture to David Hockney and Lucian Freud

28 Mar 2023
<p>Bathers (Les Grandes Baigneuses),  Paul Cézanne, c1894 – 1905</p>
Exhibitions

After Impressionism at the National Gallery: an artistic explosion

This was a time when art really was everything everywhere all at once

23 Mar 2023
TV

Great Expectations on BBC One review: irredeemably awful

‘I can’t think of an adaptation I’ve hated more’

20 Mar 2023
Exhibitions

The Ugly Duchess at the National Gallery: gives her the last laugh

This tiny exhibition – just five paintings, with some magnificent drawings – makes a point about Renaissance humour, which could be cruel to age and ugliness.

14 Mar 2023
<p>The Valley of Shadows, 1899</p>
Exhibitions

Evelyn de Morgan, The Gold Drawings at Leighton House: shines bright

It’s just one room of works on paper but this exhibition is rich and intriguing

13 Mar 2023
Home & Garden

Best steam cleaners to buy

Power up your cleaning regime

24 Feb 2023
<p>Departure of William of Orange and Princess Mary by Willem van de Velde</p>
Exhibitions

The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea at the Queen’s House

Assuming you have a high tolerance for maritime pictures this exhibition is a fascinating look at two artists who entranced the English court with their images of the sea

22 Feb 2023