Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination – reviews
British Library's celebration of all things spooky and freaky is 'perversely enlightening'
What you need to know
Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination, a new exhibition tracing the gothic tradition, has opened at the British Library, London. Marking the 250th anniversary of Horace Walpole's 1764 gothic novel The Castle of Otranto, the show explores the influence of the literary genre on our cultural imagination since then.
It features 200 exhibits including Mary Shelley's annotated Frankenstein manuscript, work by William Blake, film clips, a Victorian vampire-slaying kit, fashion by Alexander McQueen and Martin Parr's photographs of contemporary Goths in Whitby. Runs until 20 January.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What the critics like
This "perversely enlightening" display of gothic ephemera teems with arresting exhibits in an epic journey through a literary genre and its endless cultural transformations, says Jonathan Jones in The Guardian. Through the sensational yet thought-provoking relics, we discover a deep continuity in the British gothic mind, from then to today.
There are some fascinating displays but "the one truly scary object is the looming mannequin dressed from Alexander McQueen's 1996 Dante collection", says Sameer Rahim in the Daily Telegraph. The black silk and lace corset has strips cut out, almost as though the skin has been flayed.
The show celebrates "all things terrible and horrid, spooky, freaky – and fakey" with some "intriguing" exhibits, from posh Regency porn to Mary Shelley's annotated Frankenstein manuscript, says Jasper Rees on the Arts Desk. It also ends on a lovely note of ghoulish nostalgia, with Martin Parr's portraits of modern Whitby goths.
What they don't like
As you might expect from the British Library, there is a heavy emphasis on literature in this exhibition, which some might find it "a bit dry", says Sameer Rahim in the Daily Telegraph. And once we get into the modern era the clips from horror films, shown out of context, seem silly.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Netherlands split on WFH for sex workers
Speed Read Councils concerned over 'nuisance' of at-home sex work, but others say changes will curb underground sex trade
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'He adored Trump, and then rejected him'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Thursday Murder Club: who's in the film and what we can expect
Speed Read Author Richard Osman reveals starry cast set to play his 'septuagenarian sleuths'
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published
-
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas review: a mythical beachside resort
The Week Recommends Combine the classically simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand with upmarket fun and food
By Adrienne Wyper Published