Tate Videos

1. The Curse of the Lady of Shalott




The Lady of Shalott’ was painted by John William Waterhouse in 1888.

This is one of three paintings that he based on a poem by Tennyson. The poem tells the story of a woman who is under a curse.

The story is set in the times of King Arthur and the court of Camelot. The Lady is shut alone in a tower and forbidden to leave. She can only see the outside world through the reflection in a mirror.

The Lady longs for love. She sees the handsome knight, Lancelot, in the mirror. She turns to look at him – her fate is sealed...


2. Nameless and Friendless




Nameless and Friendless‘ was painted by Emily Mary Osborn in 1857.

The painting is set in Victorian England. It shows a single woman trying to earn a living as an artist.

Working in a trade occupied by men, she is isolated too. She is nameless and friendless.

Osborn was very involved in the campaign for women’s rights. She had wealthy supporters, including Queen Victoria.

She used this power to help women like those in her paintings.


3. The Story of Babel




Listen and watch an in-depth audio description of Babel, by Cildo Meireles.

Hear a detailed description of the artwork,.

descriptions of the colours,.

sounds and forms in the artwork,.

and, how the artist made the work.


4. Dancing to Art




Tate says:

Corali are a leader in dance created by artists with a learning disability. They have worked with Tate since 1998. Corali are experts in creatively taking up space in the Tate galleries.

Tate invited Paul, Sherri, Bethan and Dj to design performances in response to four artworks at Tate Britain.

Tate wanted to show what happens when people have the freedom to enjoy the gallery,however they want. This can open up new ways of responding to art.





This page was created by Jayne Lindsay and Abi Roper. – who have adapted brilliant materials from Tate YouTube, to present an aphasia-accessible art experience.