On Tuesday I was invited to a private-view of the latest addition of “Art at Annoushka.” If you haven’t been to the gorgeous jewelry store on Cadogan Gardens, then you must visit. (You can see a few of my favorite pieces here.)
The owner and jewelry designer, Annoushka Ducas has continued to partner with unique artists, and display their works alongside her beautiful gems. The recent exhibit is with artist Nathalie Hambro and is entitled, “Tools.”
Nathalie has a true passion for hardware which has inspired the exhibit and collection. She has worked with a trove of industrial components and weighty builder’s implements to conceive sculpture, objet d’art, photography, video as well as a limited edition artist’s book. The principal material defining the show is steel. Though it is considered a common metal, Hambro prizes its versatility and has long worked with it, initially to conceive a range of accessories which became sought after and acquired by museums because of their daring sculptural beauty.
Annoushka says. “Nathalie’s fascination with metal is both similar yet totally different to mine. While hers is an obsession with an urban feel, my own aesthetic is much more femininely crafted. I am really excited about the meeting of the two and to have the opportunity of creating something truly original.”
Hambro’s creative process-which is reliant on intricate manual skill and also wielding power tools-brought to Annoushka’s mind her own jewellery-making process. “The tools that Nathalie uses are also very similar to the tools used at the jewellers bench,” remarks Annoushka. “They evoke this wonderful feeling of craft, that is so often lacking in our modern world, and which I try to celebrate through my own work.” Those inspired by her work may want to get started with fine gems in the creation of their own pieces of jewellery.
“Tools” is the fifth show in this ongoing exhibition series which is annually staged at Annoushka’s Cadogan Square flagship boutique.
Annoushka Boutique
41 Cadogan Gardens, London SW3 2TB
1 South Molton Street, London W1K 5QF
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