The creative vision behind the 2026 College of Arts Ball.
On a gloomy Thursday in March, the Glasgow University Literature Association (GULA) hosted its Picture of Dorian Gray themed ball. As I entered the reception, I was met with the scene of the very talented Mia Cockram, a student artist at GSA, recreating the ball’s very own cursed portrait. The sound of the string quartet, the wonderful GU strings, set the mood of the evening, as guests arrived dressed in everything from authentic Victorian fashions to modern silhouettes.
Earlier in the day, I sat down with Madie Blackbourn, the president of the association, to discuss her creative vision for the evening and the inspiration behind the theme. As she reflected on last year’s roaring 20s-inspired Great Gatsby ball, Madie explained that this year’s committee wanted to explore a darker, more gothic theme. “We almost went with Dracula”, she told us, “but we ultimately decided to go with Oscar Wilde’s well-loved gothic novel.” The decision to swap Dracula for the Picture of Dorian Gray worked perfectly, as the decadent yet dark aesthetic of the novel was reflected in the décor, with tasteful mirrors and draping in the reception and pages of the novel strewn on every table. The abundance of lace and ribbon lent itself to the gothic Victorian aesthetic rather than appearing costumey, as it might with a more horror-leaning theme.
As the only ball for Arts and Humanities students on campus, the Arts Ball is a chance for guests to express their creativity with their unique interpretations of the theme, and they certainly did not disappoint. As guests filtered into the ballroom, the committee members weaved through the crowds, taking pictures of outfits for the anticipated Best Dressed Competition. When I questioned Madie about her expectations for the evening’s fashion, she described her vision of “lace, dark moody colours, outfits that stretch the boundaries of modern fashion”, even expecting a few guests to arrive in full Victorian attire! Madie herself wore a stunning all-black look, complete with a flowing sheer cape, interpreting the theme in a classy, contemporary way. Ultimately, the winners of the best dressed competition were Kendall and Hans, in first place, dressed in amazing period pieces adorned with stunning embellishment and detail, and Tilly in second place, wearing a handmade Victorian gown with a matching cape and stunning brooch centrepiece.
Following the prize giving and Madie’s heartwarming speech, the night descended into dancing and perfect chaos. The ceilidh band took centre stage as the finished portrait was displayed, and the life-sized cutout of Ben Barnes, as he starred in the 2009 adaptation of Dorian Gray, he was a must-have for the evening, was crowd surfed to the soundtrack of the carefully curated 2026 Arts Ball playlist, mixed by the amazing West-Green DJs. Guests took to the dancefloor and partied the night away in true Wildean style.
Image Credit: Maansi Jetwani
