London's Lost Jewels
You know that huge sigh of repletion you exhale after a delicious filling meal? The sentiment and sensation are what I experienced after exiting the Museum of London's latest visual feast, "The Cheapside Hoard; London's Lost Jewels".
The exhibition is absolutely wonderful. Excellent commentary, good contextual information and delightful display of objects such as genuine maps and portraits from the era, elaborately locked strongboxes and lavish jewellery boxes, priceless brass globes, etc. Of the actual wooden sculptural signs the shops used my pick was the 4-foot beautifully carved wooden fish for 'the Shop at the Sign of the Pike’.
Something I particularly loved was the full reconstruction of a C.16th/17th jeweller's workshop. It's a little daunting and amusing at the same time to see just how many of the tools displayed are identical to those I use on my own workbench at home four hundred years later - over 75% I'd say. And my modern electrical equipment of a pendant drill, enamelling kiln, light with a magnifying glass in the centre and modern gas soldering torch all have medieval counterparts - the only difference being they are more manual. A Tudor or Jacobean jewellery could walk into my workspace and feel right at home. All I have missing is the wire draw-bench. Which is a b*#*h of a job that was best left to apprentices, of which I understandably have none, so thank goodness for CooksonGold.com.
What can I say about the treasure itself, other than it is overwhelmingly beautiful?
There is something to savour and learn about each piece, from the fleeting beauty of the easily damaged enamelled chains - the 'fashion jewellery' of the time - to the majesty of the carved emerald clock, a piece unique for both it's place and time.
Highlights for me were the intaglio and cameo gems, the exquisite little fan holders and the ship and lizard brooches.
My favorite pieces however have always been, and still are, the 'bunch of grapes' earrings carved from amethysts and emeralds, and embellished on a couple with white enamel vines and grape leaves. There is just something so delightful about them that has always appealed to me.
Finally; Yay for Friends membership! 20% discount at the shop where I bought the exhibition book and 23 postcards of it. No, I'm not sending them to any of you. They're mine, all mine...
Excellent exhibition book by Hazel Forsyth, curator for the show.