Showing Off Info Discussion & Task Showing Off Challenge

Discuss Showing Off

Capturing celebrity
Today there is a huge interest in the life of celebrities. Newspapers and magazines are dominated by images of people and gossip columns. In the time of the 17th century The Earl of Rochester would be a notable individual within the top rank of society. This is highlighted by his extravagant portrait. But how do the lives of celebrities then and now differ? Do you think he was in control of how his portrait would look? How much control do you think celebrities today have over the way they are portrayed in newspapers and magazines? Many people say their dream is to be famous, consider people in shows such as 'Big Brother', but do you think it would be good to be a celebrity? Or would a life under constant scrutiny annoy you? Would you rather be a celebrity now, or in the 17th century? Why?

Tell us what you think!
Write down your thoughts about celebrities 'the board'...

Your Task

Sheer luxury
Choose your favourite object from the 'Showing Off' theme and examine it. Now consider an equivalent luxury item in modern day society. For example, with the mechanical toy a luxury and modern day toy could be the 'Wii'. Or a modern equivalent to the watch could be an Omega 'Seamaster' as worn by James Bond. Look at websites for these modern day items and explore the language and methods by which they are marketed. Create an advertising campaign for your favourite museum object in the 'Showing Off' theme, modelling it on the website featuring your chosen modern day item. Use appropriate language to address the audience, bearing in mind they will be from a previous century. You may wish to look at www.museumnetworkuk.org/portraits to find some people from the past you wish to advertise to.