In the ‘Belle Epoque’, an elegant and sinuous period, style flourished. Deriving from Pre-Raphaelitism, and the Arts and Crafts Movement, and inspired by the organic growth of such natural forms as poppies, convolvulus, hair or water; Art Nouveau soon became the dominant style of Europe and America, spreading like wildlife among new and radical Designers and Fine Artists. Called ‘Art Nouveau’ in England, ironically it was known as ‘Style Anglais’ in France, and by a dozen other names, including ‘Jugendstil’ in Germany, and ‘Secessionistil’ in Austria. It encompassed a vast array of talents, including the Aestheticism of Beardsley and Whistler, the Symbolism of Moreau and Khnopff, the Modernism of Klimt and Expressionism of Schiele, and the individual genius of such artists as Alfons Mucha and Antoni Gaudi. This lecture looks at the richness of Art Nouveau, in the fine and decorative arts – including painting, sculpture, architecture, textiles, metalwork, glass, furniture, ceramics and much more.