The Duchess of Cambridge was out and about today when she visited the ‘Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution’ exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Catherine, an History of Arts Graduate, became the First Royal patron of the Museum in March 2018. The exhibition explores master goldsmith, Carl Fabergé – the man behind the internationally recognised firm symbolising Russian craftsmanship, luxury, and elegance – and the Anglo-Russian relationship which saw the opening of a London branch in 1903.
The Director of the Museum Tristram Hunt received the Duchess and curator Kieran McCarthy showed her around while explaining the history behind each piece on display. From Evening Standard’s report,
“Speaking after the visit, Mr McCarthy said Kate had been “fascinated by the whole subject”.
“That came through over and over again, just ‘How did they do that? Why does that look like that?’ “There was a lot of why and wherefore in the discussion, which was very interesting because it takes a sophistication to look beyond seeing the spectacle to actually probe into the details, and that was there.”
Established in 1852, to make works of art available to all and to inspire British designers and manufacturers, the Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s leading museum of art, design, and performance while holding a diverse range of historical pieces which span over 5000 years.
The ‘Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution’ exhibition holds over 200 objects, documenting the work and expertise of Carl Fabergé. Amongst the collection is the long-lost Third Imperial Egg, discovered by a scrap dealer in 2011 after it went missing in 1964, the Moscow Kremlin Egg which features a music box, and the Alexander Palace Egg, which contains a model of the palace inside.
The collection also includes three items lent by Her Majesty The Queen, including the Colonnade Egg, Basket of Flowers Egg, and the Mosaic Egg.
Opened in November this year, the first major exhibition is devoted to the international prominence of the legendary Russian goldsmith and the importance of his little-known London branch. With a focus on Fabergé’s Edwardian high society clientele, the exhibition will shine a light on his triumphs in Britain as well as a global fascination with the joyful opulence of his creations. From Victoria and Albert Museum’s notes,
Royalty, aristocrats, American heiresses, exiled Russian Grand Dukes, Maharajas, financiers with newly-made fortunes, and socialites flocked there to buy gifts of unparalleled luxury for each other. Fabergé works were as popular in Britain as they were in Russia.
The first main section highlights the important patronage of the Romanov family. A miniature of the Imperial Regalia, lent by the Hermitage Museum, made for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle will capture Carl Fabergé’s role as official goldsmith to the Imperial family. ts members often gave each other intimate Fabergé gifts, and this will be explored through bespoke, ornate objects including flowers made from rock crystal, gold and rose-cut diamonds, and exquisite family portrait miniatures. This section will also touch upon Carl Fabergé’s youth, his travels throughout Europe, and his entry into the family firm.
The second section of the exhibition will tell the story of Fabergé’s time in London, including how the firm flourished under royal patronage, and how its creations became a social currency for gift giving and ostentatious displays of wealth, amongst the cosmopolitan elite who gathered in the city. The huge success at the 1900 Paris Exposition made it clear that Fabergé would have a keen customer base outside Russia, should he expand. Fabergé’s choice of London for its new premises was partly because it was the financial capital of the world, a luxury retail destination able to draw a wealthy and international clientele. It was also the home of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra who were already avid Fabergé collectors, making royal patronage in London highly likely. Read more about the exhibition here.
She was wearing Ralph Lauren Paisley Georgette Tie-Neck Shirt. Thanks to HeavenLM on Twitter for the id.
The £139 Lauren Navy Multi shirt was described as, “This airy georgette shirt is defined by its feminine tie at the neck and delicate shirring. The lightweight fabrication is enhanced by the season’s paisley motif in a rich navy palette”. Currently available in both regular and petite sizes.
and her Anderson Crocodile Embossed Belt.
Catherine wore her Emmy London Josie Block Heel Pointed Pumps
She was wearing Amaia Kids The Duke/Duchess Black plain Reusable Face Mask.
In other news, The Duchess of Cambridge will be hosting a Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 8 that will be broadcasted in December as a special programme on ITV. The service will bring together charities, organizations, and individuals together who go above beyond to support communities during the pandemic.
This week we are also looking at the Legacy of the Duchess of Cambridge – Early Years.
