Wild Girls

Natalie Barney and Romaine Brooks were pivotal figures in the bohemian world of Paris at the turn of the century. Both were American expatriates, unconventional, energetic, flamboyant and rich. Their group of friends and lesbian lovers included Liane de Pougy the exquisite courtesan, the poet Renée Vivien, Dolly Wilde – niece of Oscar – who died of a drugs overdose; Gertrude Stein, Colette and Edith Stiwell.

For Natalie living was the ‘first of all the arts’ and although she published memoirs and poetry, her main drive was for passion and seduction. Romaine, on the other hand, lived for her painting. Despite their differences, these two dazzling women formed an intense relationship that lasted more than fifty years.