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These photographic tableaux retell the story of A Rake's Progress in modern times. William Hogarth first told this tale about Tom Rakewell in 1735, in a set of engravings. In his story, the Rake is a morally bankrupt individual who wants only "to rise up" in society. He squanders his fathers inheritance on women, gambling and drinking. He marries badly and ends up mad and destitute in Bedlam. In Andy Wiener's version the Rake enters life with every intention of doing "the right thing". He decides to follow a steady course. He makes the right choice in marriage - marrying someone he has everything in common with. Sadly this Rake too ends up mad and morally destitute in the Modern Bedlam - the living room. This series was made in 1986, while the photographer was at the Royal College of Art in London. They have been exhibited widely and are part of the Photography Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. |