Gathering Inspiration

For the first time in two and a half years, I made it up to London to the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum. I used to go at least once a month but since the world turned upside I haven't been. I am hoping to return more regularly again.

Like always the V&A is a special visit. I visited the Beatrice Potter Exhibition, her illustration and life story is amazing and fascinating. I then went around the permanent fixtures fashion, customer and theatre and then Jewellery.

I have been in there once or twice before but now through the lens of someone who makes jewellery. I wanted to gather some inspiration. It is something I used to do when I used to make clothes and fashion. nothing gets the creative juices flowing than looking around some of the greatest pieces of work and artistry.

Obviously, I make very different jewellery to what is featured in the V&A exhibit but the beautiful and vibrant gems and the designs were so amazing and inspiring from the 1600s to 2022 there is so much to see.

Necklace in the V&A

Necklace in the V&A

Necklace in the V&A

Rings in the V&A

What surprised me though was a small inclusion of modern-day pieces not because they were modern but because they were made from traditional precious materials like the rest of the pieces.

Necklace in the V&A Made from Thermal Acrylic Sheets

A statement (to say the least) made from thermal manipulated acrylic sheets really caught my eye the colour and design were breathtaking. Practical? No, but that's not really the point I suspect

Broach in the V&A Pink peony

Back of the Broach in the V&A Pink peony

Towards the end was a two again statement piece a Butterfly that flutters as you move belonging to and donated by Beyonce. And next to it is a broch of a peony. It was absolutely stunning. The vivid pink and the details were to die for.

So overall and really fun and inspirational trip and I can't wait to go again soon!

Beyonce's Butterfly Ring, in the V&A

Back of Beyonce's Butterfly Ring, in the V&A