Sparkling legacy
The Victoria and Albert Museum’s new William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery both pleases the eye and engages the mind, writes Diana Scarisbrick.
Diana Scarisbrick, Sunday, 22nd June 2008
These new acquisitions and loans have put neither the nucleus of the museum collection nor the wonderful donations by Joan Evans, Lady Cory and George Salting in the shade, but bring the story of jewellery up to date. Richard Edgcumbe, the curator who faced a gigantic task in bringing it all together in this new setting, has succeeded far beyond expectations. He has thought of everything, including installing a video with portraits depicting how jewels are worn, for he is only too well aware that once these marvels are divorced from their purpose, which is to beautify and irradiate the living person, they can never be entirely appreciated.
Diana Scarisbrick is a jewellery historian. Her most recent book is Rings, Jewels of Power, Love and Loyalty (2007).
For information on visiting the V&A telephone +44 (0)20 7942 2000
1 The William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Photo: Edina van der Wyck
2 The Heneage or Armada Jewel, English, c. 1595. The case, of gold, enamel, rock crystal, diamonds and rubies, encloses a miniature of Elizabeth I by Nicholas Hilliard (c. 1547-1619). 7.1 x 5.2 x 1.1 cm. The Victoria & Albert Museum, London
3 ‘Tutti-frutti’ bandeau by Cartier, English, 1928. Platinum with sapphires, emeralds and rubies, ht. 2.8 cm. Private collection, UK
4 The Manchester Tiara, designed by Cartier, French, 1903. Gold and silver with diamonds, ht 9.1 cm. The Victoria & Albert Museum, London
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