TOULOUSE Lautrec was the subject of a fascinating talk given to Sarum Decorative and Fine Arts Society by Ann Clements on Tuesday, March 11.

Her opening slide of Lautrec dressed as a samurai warrior caused a ripple of laughter, which was also the reaction Lautrec wished to provoke. By making himself the subject of the joke, he controlled the reaction of others to his physical disability.

He suffered from a disease where bones do not heal properly, and following two falls in childhood his legs did not grow at the same rate as his torso, which was well developed and muscular.

A keen horseman, he was unable to ride following the falls, and, to keep him occupied was given art instruction by a series of recognised artists.

They all used a similar distorted perspective, which influenced Lautrec’s own style. An early painting by Lautrec, aged 16, was astoundingly accomplished. His wide ranging artistic output was acknowledged by Miss Clements, but she concentrated mainly on the posters.

Produced cheaply using lithograph, she contrasted their apparent simplicity with the busyness of other publicity material from the same period - the clarity of their composition strengthened the links between commercial art and painting.

Using humour and excellent slides she showed Lautrec as a man full of life and fun, with a wonderful sense of humour.

The next talk at the Salvation Army Hall, Salt Lane, Salisbury will be Linley: The Continuing Tradition of English Cabinetmaking on Tuesday, April 8. Coffee is available beforehand. Visitors are welcome; entrance is £7. The lecture starts promptly at 11am.