New exhibition explores Noël Coward's art and style on 100 anniversary of playwright's West End debut

Noël Coward’s iconic dressing gowns are going on show in a new exhibition celebrating 100 years since the playwright’s West End debut.

Making his first foray onto the stage at the age of just 19, he wrote and starred in I’ll Leave It To You, at what is now the Noël Coward Theatre.

Now, the Guildhall Art Gallery takes a look at how he and his artistic circle influenced fashion and culture in ways that still resonate today, alongside his career defining moments as a playwright, actor, director, composer and singer.

Noël Coward: Art & Style, which opens on November 20, includes the original tuxedo he wore in 1968 film Boom, furniture from his home, and personal letters written to his contemporaries among the exhibits.

A reconstruction of the white satin dress worn by actress Gertrude Lawrence in 1930 play Private Lives, as well as original vintage dresses in the style of costumes from Coward’s plays and contemporary designs influenced by his world will make up a section dedicated to fashion. His own paintings and original artworks by Cecil Beaton, Oliver Messel and Rex Whistler will also be on show.

Curator Brad Rosenstein said: “Coward is especially celebrated for his verbal wit, but Art & Style will remind us that his original productions were also visual feasts for their audiences, a vital element of his theatrical world shaped by the extraordinary designers with whom he worked, and his own brilliance as a director.

“These productions had an international influence on fashion and were reflected in Coward’s personal style – from his wardrobe to home décor – and just like his plays and songs, still seem fresh, contemporary, and surprising today.”

The free exhibition will run from November 20-May 16 2021.