The natural response to this fabulous exhibition at Tate Britain is envy and covetousness. Envy at the glorious creatures John Singer Sargent painted, immortal in lovely frocks. Covetousness, as you consider those gorgeous clothes, with some of the originals, or similar, on display nearby.
The most striking is Ellen Terry’s beetle cloak for Lady Macbeth, next to the picture of that extraordinary thesp, raising the crown above her head and looking manic.
