A London woman knows that a enduring capsule wardrobe which emanates her soft power is anchored by a a certain objet d'art in her jewellery box. This piece not only holds personal value, but it also carries the cultural merit of enormous artistic and historical prestige. She will be pleased to hear that Cartier, the renowned Maison behind her most beloved pieces, is coming to town in April.
The major exhibition at the V&A Museum in South Kensington will showcase over 350 exquisite treasures crafted by the renowned French jeweller. The experience will be present with the glittering legacy of the Cartier family and their unwavering devotion to craftsmanship — a reputation that has established them as 'the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers' amongst the aristocratic milieu and regal echelons since the turn of the 20th century. Established in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier in Paris, Cartier was propelled to be jeweller of international high society by his three grandsons Louis, Pierre and Jacques, the three sons of Altfred Cartier, who established the Maison's lasting presence in London and New York. Synonymous with the summit of allure and worldly mystique, Cartier timepieces and jewellery endure as a marker of both enduring glamour but also the scintillating jewels of a family's famous global ambition.
Highlights of the exhibition include a number of treasures significant in England's history, including some lent by His Majesty The King from the Royal Collection. The Williamson Diamond Brooch commissioned in 1953 by Queen Elizabeth II features the rare 23.6 carat pink Williamson diamond. The Scroll Tiara, commissioned in 1902 and worn to the coronation of Elizabeth II, was more recently featured on the cover of W Magazine by Rihanna in 2016. Tiaras are also not in shortage, the paragon of Cartier perhaps being The Manchester Tiara designed for the Duchess of Manchester in 1903.
"With its world-class jewellery collection, the V&A is the perfect stage to celebrate the pioneering achievements of Cartier and its transformative ability to remain at the centre of culture and creativity for more than a century.," said exhibition curators Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan.
The Cartier exhibition will be in The Sainsbury Gallery from 12th April to 16th November. Tickets are available at vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/cartier.
