Mae West: Relocated Lips

There’s only one MAE WEST. However, five Mae West Lips Sofas were made, all in 1938. One particular version of the sofa was altered by Edward James from the other versions to make it an integral part of the decoration of Monkton House and to fit with his vision for a Surrealist interior. Let’s read about this battle royal to keep this special Mae West Lips Sofa in the United Kingdom. This is Part 3 of 3.
• • Dali’s Mae West Lips Sofa at risk of leaving the UK • •
• • Arts Minister steps in to prevent iconic sofa from export • •
• • Arts Minister John Glen said: This iconic piece is considered to be the single most important example of Surrealist furniture ever made in Britain. I very much hope that a buyer comes forward to keep this unique item in the UK.
• • The decision to defer the export licence follows a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA), administered by the Arts Council.
• • RCEWA member Richard Calvocoressi said:
• • Salvador Dalí and Edward James’s sofa in the shape of Mae West’s lips shares with Meret Oppenheim’s fur-covered cup, saucer and spoon of the same date (Museum of Modern Art, New York) the distinction of being the most famous object in the history of Surrealism.
• • But it is more than a witty surrealist sculpture or a striking example of fantasy furniture. It is a masterpiece of Pop art 25 years before Pop was invented.
• • Source: Arts Minister John Glen; published on Friday, 17 November 2017.
• • A post-script: The UK government has found a home for Mae West Lips Sofa, one of the most famous Surrealist works of the 20th century. The sensual settee, designed by Salvador Dalí and the Surrealist poet Edward James, has entered the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V and A) in London; the piece was purchased with support from Art Fund, the V and A members and a bequest from Derek Woodman.  What happy news and a wonderful new home for a Mae West inspired sofa..
• • On Saturday, 18 May 1912 in Variety • •

• • Frank Bohm bought a generous ad in Variety (issue dated for 18 May 1912) to help publicize his client Mae West as "The Scintillating Singing Comedienne, Late of Ziegfeld's Moulin Rouge." Billboard gave the vaudevillian's act a favorable review the following month.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Bob Hope asked Mae West about her favorite TV show. Miss West enthusiastically said: "The Vic Tanny commercials, of course.”’
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “They used to censor my dialogue in the old days.  Now I can hardly wait to come up with some good lines because there isn’t a censor anymore.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • American Theatre Magazine mentioned Mae West.
• • Invisible Theatre Season to Bring Bygone Celebs Back to Stage Life.
• • Next, Tony Award nominee Sharon McNight graces the stage in the Southwest premiere of Mae West “Live” in Las Vegas (March 5–6, 2016), which recreates West’s show from the Sahara Hotel in the early 1950s.  . . .
• • Source: Item in American Theatre Magazine; posted in April 2016
• • The evolution of 2 Mae West plays that keep her memory alive • • 
• • A discussion with Mae West playwright LindaAnn LoSchiavo — — 
• • http://lideamagazine.com/renaissance-woman-new-york-city-interview-lindaann-loschiavo/

• • The Mae West Blog celebrates its 13th anniversary • •  

• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past thirteen years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 3,800 blog posts. Wow!  

• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started thirteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 3962nd blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.

• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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• • Photo: • • Mae West • • in 1912 • •
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