Fantastic opening evening @vamuseum for the Cartier exhibition last night. Overwhelming amount of glittering creations on display, particularly from those glory years in the early 20th century when jewels were de rigeur and a night out in high society required a glittering tiara (wouldn't that be fun?)
The curators @helenmolesworth and @rgarrahan take the visitor on a journey through multiple bejeweled themes – from the origins of the Cartier style and choice of gemstones, to royal clients and rare watches.
Walking through the many rooms really highlights the staggering breadth and depth of Cartier's craftmanship: from brooches, bandeaus and mystery clocks, to objets d'art, vanity cases and maharaja's necklaces. A fair amount of stardust glitter too, with pieces that belonged to Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy and even a watch lent by @feliciathegoat today.
A highlight was seeing pieces alongside original designs and sources of inspiration that bring to life the creative process. A reminder that while these glorious jewels may end up on the red carpet, they were born from hard-working beginnings: raw talent nurtured over many years and that ceaseless quest for originality: 'never copy, only create'.
More later - back there tonight! - but a few photos to give a sense in the meantime (and a little video that it was quite emotional to see of my grandfather showing Prince Philip around 175 New Bond Street back in the day).
Tiaras on display at the V&A Cartier exhibition
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#Cartier #VandA #JewelryHistory #luxurycraftsmanship
