Ultra Vanities at Goldsmiths

I dropped off a ring at Goldsmiths today for early hall and called in to see the summer exhibition 'Ultra Vanities- Bejewelled Make-Up Boxes from the Age of Glamour'. I had about half an hour before closing time. Ten minutes before the end, I started drawing a Cartier compact, then a Rozanes compact, each made from Onyx and Jade. The more I drew, the more I saw.

I'll call back again when I pick up my client's mother of pearl ring and I'll return with my pencil and paper.

These little bejewelled compacts, 'necessaire de beaute', from the 1920's to the 1970's are exquisitely crafted, with tiny drawers and compartments for wealthy fashionable clients' make-up and cigarettes. Van Cleef and Arpels is one of the fashion houses represented and has some of my favourites, but I loved the Cartier compacts, similar to the one below, with the chain and tube (is that to hold a tiny lipstick? Will have to find out.....)

The Oriental influence is seen in many 1920's compacts, like this one from Cartier with green jade, black onyx

Boxpark

Getting off the train at Shoreditch I came across Boxpark for the first time. Boxpark is the world's first pop-up mall. I saw personal favourites like Marimekko alongside lots of new designers. Big brands next to emerging ones - great combination!

With shops made from shipping containers this is vibrant community of a range of designers selling on a very cool level playing field.

Dulwich Open House, Baroque the Streets

Brilliant talent unleashed at Court Lane Private View for Dulwich Festival, particularly with the superb street dance and catwalk show. Favourites were Lisa E Moss's jewellery, meeting graffiti artist 'Agent Provocateur',  part of Baroque the Streets, and Cathy Hart's sculpture (of course!).

Liked the Stik graffiti on drainpipe!

     

graffiti for Baroque the Streets

Clerkenwell Show this weekend

The Private View last night was fun and if you missed it, you can call this evening after work - 4-8pm - or over the weekend. 

You'll love the incredible range of talent and stunning creations at Craft Central Gets Hitched 

(whether getting married or not!)