Not gold, but it glitters: the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition on creating the illusion of luxury in stage costumes

Art does not tolerate formulas, but sometimes templates are essential — for example, when creating theatrical costumes. The "Sewing and Costume Workshop" section of the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA features special stencils used to apply designs to fabric with gold spray paint. These unique working tools used behind the scenes in theatre came from the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia and have become an important part of the large-scale exposition project marking the 150th anniversary of the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia. The project is being held with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives.

The specialists at the Bolshoi Theatre’s workshops use various fabric-treatment techniques to produce stage costumes for historical productions, which may require, for example, the appearance of elaborate goldwork embroidery on the clothes of royalty or members of the merchant class. This is where stencils come in. The imitation is so skilfully executed that, on stage and under theatrical spotlights, the audience sees more than a sprayed design: it looks like lavish, truly regal embroidery created with gold thread.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Stencils for gold decoration are indispensable tools in theatrical prop-making and costume workshops. Gilded ornamentation and embroidery are applied by hand not only to stage costumes and headwear, but also to elements of the scenery. The technique allows complex historical and stylised patterns to be transferred accurately even onto heavy fabrics. Craftspeople use durable gold paints, imitation gold leaf, metallic powders or special adhesives for subsequent gilding. They also combine stencilling with sequins and hand embroidery. This is how the magnificent ceremonial style for which the Bolshoi Theatre is renowned in its classical opera and ballet productions is created.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Visitors can explore the techniques used to create the appearance of luxury in the Sewing and Costume Workshop section of the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition until 25 September. Admission to the exposition is free. Advance registration on russia.ru is required to join a guided tour.