Wednesday 30th November
Vincent Van Gogh cut off his ear because Paul Gauguin, sharing his house at the time, wouldn't stop playing his James Blunt EP. Stupidly he thought it would stop him hearing it, and gave up after one ear.
Tuesday 29th November
William Blake at early age was so charged with static electricity that he managed to set his then master James Basire on fire. Subsequently this became Blake's main influence behind the song "Jerusalem" which in later years became a major pop hit in China. However it should be noted now that the song is outlawed in that country and even just uttering the first line
"And did those feet in ancient time...."
can send you to the electric chair, quite ironic that it started with it being the influence behind the song, and is now the second highest cause of death in China.
Monday 28th November
Man Ray the photographer has been immortalised by the fact that his name is now a term of endearment in the good old US of A.
Sunday 27th November
Although Joseph William Mallord Turner's work was considered to be in the romantic style, in real life he was known to be a playboy (and a troublemaker).
Saturday 26th November
Johann Heinrich Fussli (Henry Fuseli) was not named after the pasta that he loved so much.
Friday 25th November
Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin holds the record for the longest architect and archeologist's name. This record is set to fall when Sri Lanka cricket fast bowler Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas designs and builds a mud hut whilst looking for the remains of Noah's ark early next year.
Thursday 24th November
Joseph Wright of Derby was born and died in Derby, maybe if he got out more, more people would have actually heard of him.
Mind you when you do works such as "
Experiment on a Bird in the Airpump" I guess you the less people know you, especially in a police/ RSPB way the better.
Wednesday 23rd November
Juan Gris is cockney rhyming slang in Spain and France for 'would you like a bite to eat?
Tuesday 22nd November
Contrary to what his name might suggest, Marc Chagall led a life of celibacy.
Monday 21st November
The impressionists could never quite master the scottish accent.
Sunday 20th November
Man Ray, the infamous photographer, although was indeed a man, was never associated with the Sting Ray family, be it the Freshwater fish, or the childrens TV programme.
Saturday 19th November
The famous grand tour of Italy in the 1600's is now known as Mardi Gras.
Friday 18th November
Roy Liechtenstein doesn't actually have anything to do with the country Liechtenstein.
The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719; it became a sovereign state in 1806. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth. Shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight have resulted in concerns about the use of the financial institutions for money laundering. Liechtenstein has, however, implemented new anti-money-laundering legislation and recently concluded a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the US.
Whereas Roy Liechtenstein was merely a Pop artist, and nothing to do with the Holy Roman Empire.
Thursday 17th November
John Constable was never actually a memember of the police. (the emergency services or the 80's pop group)
Wednesday 16th November
Vincent Van Gogh is so called because it was the name his mother gave to him.
Tuesday 15th November
Contrary to popular belief Tracey Emin has never been mistaken for one of the creatures in the famous Cantina Bar scene in Star Wars: A New Hope.
Monday 14th November 2005
It is a little known fact that Citroën Picasso was never actually driven by artist Pablo Picasso.
