In late autumn, an exhibition at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Edgbaston offered a unique sensory experience that combined visual art with olfactory sensations. This event, which ran from October and concluded on January 26th, attracted visitors curious about the intersection of scent and Victorian-era paintings. The exhibition, curated by Dr. Christina Bradstreet, explored how scents were represented in Pre-Raphaelite and Aesthetic movement artworks, revealing the often-overlooked role of fragrance in these masterpieces.

A Journey Through Time and Scent

The journey began on a crisp autumn day when I boarded a train to Birmingham, arriving at University North Gate. After a brief but efficient bus ride, I found myself standing before the elegant Art Deco structure of the Barber Institute. Founded in 1932 by Lady Martha Constance Hattie Barber, this institution has become a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. Despite its advanced age, the building exudes a timeless charm, enhanced by its heraldic motifs that add a touch of color and history.

Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the exhibition's innovative approach. The show was divided into three thematic sections, each highlighting different aspects of scent in Victorian society. The first section, "Spring Awakenings," featured pastoral scenes filled with floral fragrances, evoking a sense of freshness and reverie. The second, "All Smell is Disease," delved into the darker side of scent, exploring how odors were linked to disease and moral decay. Finally, "Bells & Smells" showcased the controversial use of incense in religious rituals during the Victorian era.

The highlight of the exhibition was undoubtedly the AirParfum technology, which allowed visitors to experience specific scents associated with individual paintings. By pressing a button, one could release a puff of fragrance designed to complement the artwork. For instance, Millais' "The Blind Girl" was paired with two distinct scents: one evoking a rain-soaked meadow, and another capturing the wool and cotton shawl worn by the subject. While some visitors found these experiences delightful, others, like myself, had mixed reactions to the scents.

Despite the occasional technical hiccup, the exhibition succeeded in creating a multisensory experience that enriched the viewing of these iconic paintings. It also highlighted the importance of scent in Victorian culture, revealing how it intersected with issues such as sanitation, morality, and women's independence.

Reflections on the Exhibition

This visit to the Barber Institute was both enlightening and thought-provoking. It reminded me that art is not just a visual experience but can engage all our senses. The exhibition's exploration of scent in Victorian art opened up new ways of appreciating these works, encouraging viewers to consider the implicit sensory elements within them. Moreover, it underscored the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in art curation, blending history, science, and sensory experiences to create a richer understanding of the past. For anyone interested in the multifaceted nature of art, this exhibition was a must-see, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known artistic movement.