ArtistInfo

Quentin Crisp

1908-1999 GB, London Borough of Sutton
Spoken Word
A.k.a. Denis Charles Pratt

Quentin Crisp (born Denis Charles Pratt, 25 December 1908 – 21 November 1999) was an English writer and raconteur.From a conventional suburban background Crisp grew up with feminine tendencies exemplified by his make-up and painted nails and work as a rent-boy. He then spent thirty years as a professional model for life-classes in art colleges. The interviews he gave about his unusual life attracted increasing public curiosity and he was soon sought after for his highly individual views on social manners and the cultivating of style. His one-man stage show was a long-running hit both in England and America and he also appeared in films and on TV. Crisp possessed a contrarian[citation needed] streak, criticising both gay liberation and Diana, Princess of Wales.