The Moulin Rouge immediately evokes the Belle Epoque – a period of French, and especially Parisian history around the turn of the 19th century which pulsated with artistic energy, technological and scientific innovations, risqué entertainment and boundless optimism; but was there a dark side as well?

Join Cindy Polemis as she delves into the bars and stars of La Belle Epoque in Paris.

About the Lecturer

Cindy Polemis is an art historian, independent lecturer and art guide.  She has a BA in Modern History from Oxford University and as a mature student she went back to university to study first for a BA and then for a Masters in History of Art at Birkbeck College, London University.  Before that she spent many years as a radio producer and presenter for the BBC World Service working in news and current affairs.  Since 2016 Cindy has worked as an official art guide at Tate Britain and Tate Modern.  She has also been a trustee at the Museum of the Home, formerly the Geffrye Museum.  Cindy has accumulated a wide range of art historical knowledge ranging from 18th European and British art to the contemporary international art scene.  She has been an official guide for both Frieze Masters and Frieze Art Fairs in London.  She is particularly keen to draw parallels with art and social history and her lectures are accessible and engaging, drawing out the stories of art and artists which are steeped in human emotions and experiences which we all share.