Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week, despite saying I would revert to birds and the garden (again) I am featuring the Cartier Exhibition at our National Gallery. This link takes you to some additional information and a slide show.
I expected to be awed by the craftsmanship. I was. I expected to see some beautiful pieces. I did. However, I have obviously moved firmly into comfort-loving old crone status. I looked at the jewellery and thought how uncomfortable most of it was. Heavy and possibly scratchy too. And I don't think it was sour grapes.
Cartier has been (and continues to be) worn by Royalty, and the rich and the famous. A myriad of photos follow.
This incredibly intricate and bejewelled gown was apparently worn by our own Nellie Melba.
The handbags were relatively understated. Other things were not.
There were earrings to match this little number too.
Chunky bracelet anyone?
The designers were remarkably eclectic and Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese and Indian influences are very evident.
I was surprised at how many watches and clocks featured in the exhibition.
This is the front and back of a clock - with the dragon in close-up.
There were lots of very ornate vanity cases, with attached lippie holders too.
Is it art? My jury is out on that question. There were over 300 pieces, and after a couple of hours wandering we were all blinged out. Glad that we went, but Over the Top is the summation which most readily springs to mind.
As always I picked up a few postcards in the gift-shop. If anyone would like one, let me know in the comments (specifying a preference if you have one). I am happy to post them anywhere, and will put them in an envelope so you can do with them as you like.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week, despite saying I would revert to birds and the garden (again) I am featuring the Cartier Exhibition at our National Gallery. This link takes you to some additional information and a slide show.
I expected to be awed by the craftsmanship. I was. I expected to see some beautiful pieces. I did. However, I have obviously moved firmly into comfort-loving old crone status. I looked at the jewellery and thought how uncomfortable most of it was. Heavy and possibly scratchy too. And I don't think it was sour grapes.
Cartier has been (and continues to be) worn by Royalty, and the rich and the famous. A myriad of photos follow.
This incredibly intricate and bejewelled gown was apparently worn by our own Nellie Melba.
The handbags were relatively understated. Other things were not.
There were earrings to match this little number too.
Chunky bracelet anyone?
The designers were remarkably eclectic and Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese and Indian influences are very evident.
I was surprised at how many watches and clocks featured in the exhibition.
This is the front and back of a clock - with the dragon in close-up.
There were lots of very ornate vanity cases, with attached lippie holders too.
Is it art? My jury is out on that question. There were over 300 pieces, and after a couple of hours wandering we were all blinged out. Glad that we went, but Over the Top is the summation which most readily springs to mind.
As always I picked up a few postcards in the gift-shop. If anyone would like one, let me know in the comments (specifying a preference if you have one). I am happy to post them anywhere, and will put them in an envelope so you can do with them as you like.
This first one isn't a post-card, but a complicated origami flyer put out by the National Gallery. Other jewellery also features on it.
Just beautiful. I agree that none of the jewelry looks like it would be fun to wear, unless just for a few moments. Love the postcards!! :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: I wasn't even tempted to try any of the jewellery on - probably just as well because I will never have the opportunity.
DeleteBut where would I wear any of it? LOL
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Everywhere.
DeleteThank goodness we don't have to get all tarted up in that stuff.....I'll stick with my jeans and tshirts.
ReplyDeleteonly slightly confused: Me too.l
DeleteI will be honest and up-front: I am not drawn to conventional bling. That said, it does look like a good show.Pleased you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeletedinahmow: I am not drawn to this sort of bling either. I can and do appreciate the work but... The show was an interesting peak into a life I will never lead - and don't aspire to.
DeleteImpressive! I want that clock.
ReplyDeleteSomething swallowed my comment
DeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: There were a LOT of clocks there. And some of them were lovely, in a very glitzy way.
DeleteVest: Sometimes blogger does that - I am glad you perservered.
DeleteWhat a great exhibit, I would have enjoyed it very much. I would also have enjoyed watching them being designed and then put together. I agree about how many of those pieces would have been uncomfortable to wear.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: I missed having my father there. He would have told me a LOT about how the pieces were made.
DeleteGotta admit the leopard might be welcome in my jewelry box, but for the most part I'm usually pretty ornament-free these days outside of earrings.
ReplyDeleteMarty Damon: I do love my earrings and have lots of them. I didn't lust after any of the ones featured in the exhibition though.
DeleteBeautiful jewels, thanks EC.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: And such a lot of them too...
DeleteI can hardly imagine this type of bling being worn these days. Reminds me of powdered hair corsets crinolines and dare I say Bloomers definitely Georgian era 1700's with a strong whiff of BO . Probably worn by A lady Charlotte type person , Wife of the Earl of Upper Frogsnorton.ENG.
ReplyDeleteIf there were such people as Ugly old frumpy ladies wearing these adornments it would indicate to impoverished males that the wearer had wealth if not much else to offer.
Vest: Some very modern high flyers wear Cartier. So only beautiful people should wear beautiful things? I think we have to disagree here. And sadly wealth seems to add to the attractiveness index of a lot of people.
DeleteI wonder if the royalty of old had a version of sweatpants and t-shirts to wear when they weren't bejeweled with all this art.
ReplyDeleteSandi: I hope so. I really hope so. And wonder whether they wore some 'favourite pieces' even then.
DeleteI like to look but am not a jewelry wearer any more. I hardly wear a watch any more. I’ve given away some pieces and plan to give away the rest. Others might enjoy them and I will enjoy that.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the clothes were uncomfortable?
Marie Smith: I still wear earrings, but that is about it. And sometimes a watch. I think so clothes were decidedly uncomfortable but neither of the featured pieces looked as dreadful as some I have seen. Whalebone corsets anyone?
DeleteThe only good thing about whalebone is the boobs got properly held up and weren't swanning loosely around the ribs and waist which is a decidedly unpretty look.
DeleteRiver: True about the boobs, but I gather those corsets were so tight that breathing was a challenge.
DeleteStunning pieces one and all...such brilliant craftsmanship...exquisite. Well worth seeing...thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a good week, EC...cuddles to the boss, namely, Jazz. :)
Lee: The craftmanship was incredible. And yes, it was worth a visit - as the Gallery always is.
DeleteI hope your furry overlords and you have a wonderful week.
Hi EC - lovely to see ... I've been to a few in London - some jewels, some gold etc ... the workmanship is what bedazzles me ... really extraordinary: so pleased you went and showed us a few ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: Snap on the workmanship. Himself has seen the Faberge museum which makes me a tad jealous and was blown away by the work there too.
DeleteJewellery is not really my thing, but the clock is rather stunning. Perhaps not so useful for telling the time though.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: So many of the clocks were beautiful. And some would be easier to tell the time from than others.
DeleteMay I come sit on the crone bench with you, then?
ReplyDeleteArt - yes, I think so. And a lot of it is beautiful to look at. But like you, I wouldn't want to have to wear it, as the royals do. (I wouldn't want to be in the spotlight like the royals, either, but that's a whole different thread of thought.)
Lovely pictures, EC. Thank you for sharing them. Especially the very last one. Is that a brooch, perhaps?
jenny_o: There is plenty of room on the crone bench - which is a comfortable one too. I would hate to be a celebrity of any flavour and being a royal adds a different level of burden to the mix.
DeleteThe very last one was one of Wallis Simpson's treasures (I think) and was a desk ornament. She had a spectacular leopard brooch too.
Apart from clothes I have never worn any form of adornment - piercings tattoos rings chains etc apart from a wrist watch and service gongs.
ReplyDeleteAdornments distinguish the mediocre,embarrass the superior, and are disgraced by the inferior.
However I will admit the items shown are of intricate design and a credit to the creator. A great show today.
Vest: I do wear earrings and occasionally other jewellery. No piercings (other than my ears) or tatts though. The pieces in the collection are indeed a credit to the designers and creators. Who may or may not be the same people.
DeleteAmazing. I wonder how heavy those bulkier necklaces are...
ReplyDeleteNot like I'd complain if I *had* to wear something of that caliber. :D
The winged scarab is just divine.
Bea: I think that some of those bulkier pieces were very heavy. I can remember reading that Queen Elizabeth got an appalling headache from wearing her crown.
DeleteThe winged scarab brooch was lovely wasn't it?
Over the top is correct. They are pretty to look at, at least a few at a time, but i would not want to have to wear or protect any of them.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: Protect them? That would be a whole other nightmare. And they really should be seen. They would probably be safe in a bank or strongroom, but it defeats the purpose...
DeleteVery ornate aren't they all... aside from the handbags of course which are actually quite beautiful and subdued.
ReplyDeleteCountryMum: Incredibly ornate. I was surprised at the elegance of the handbags - or at least the ones on display. I am quite sure that some were created that fell firmly into that 'over the top' category.
DeleteGreat photos. A very interesting exhibit.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: I took a lot of photos - and deleted a lot too. Our National Gallery does give us some spectacular exhibitions.
DeleteSuch opulence! Wearing all the bling must have heavy.
ReplyDeleteWe use postcards on gifts as name tags. John's parents traveled a lot and we have piles of postcards.
Susan Kane: I am sorry I deprived you of corellas again. There will be photos I promise. Not least because we are now able to hand feed a couple of them.
DeleteLove the idea of using postcards as gift tags.
Hi EC, I'd like to join you on the crone bench. I'm glad I'm not a royal or celebrity. If I was, apart from having to wear such heavy jewellery and uncomfortable clothes, the paparazzi would drive me mad.
ReplyDeletecatmint: There is plenty of room on the crone bench. And the company is getting better by the moment. I am very, very grateful that I am not a celebrity and won't become one.
DeletePS but I still like to look at these objets, they're very beautiful.
ReplyDeletecatmint: Of course. The crone bench is a great spot to observe. And while I didn't want any of the jewellery, I did enjoy looking.
DeleteI'm with you - fashion is uncomfortable. I gave it up long ago.
ReplyDeleteThe dragons are gorgeous!
River Fairchild: Fashion shmashion. And yes on the dragon front. I loved it.
DeleteIt’s not sour grapes. It’s practicality. One not flash would have me cutting the gown off with the nearest pair of scissors. And what do you do when you have to pee? Oi! I like the pyjamas I’m in right now.
ReplyDeleteBirdie: Comfort is a very important thing. As is the ability to pee freely. How did knights in armour do it?
DeleteOh gosh, must say the pieces are not my cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteMargaret-whiteangel: They weren't mine either, but I loved looking. And marvelling. And walking away.
DeleteLovely stuff great to look at but maybe not so good to wear.
ReplyDeleteMerle............
Merlesworld: Not to wear, not to insure. The looking is good though.
DeleteEnough bling to sink a battleship. That five tier necklace looks very heavy. I thought Dame Nellie Melba's dress was a nightgown when I only saw the front, realised it was a dress when I saw the back.
ReplyDeletePostcards? I love that palm tree with the ruby coconuts, and would be pleased to have it if no one else has claimed it first.
River: No-one has expressed any interest so I will happily send that one to you. That five tier necklace would weigh a ton.
DeleteThe one piece I really like is the second photo, that neck ornament. I would like that in a stretch version to wrap around my black lampshade.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Around a black lampshade that would look good. Around a neck, it would certainly encourage good posture. I suspect if your chin drooped those spikes would prickle delicate skin very quickly.
DeleteAs much as I love my bling chains none of this would appeal to me, but then it is very girly. Interesting to see though. Strangely a woman next to me in church asked me if the chain I had around my neck hurt me as it was heavy. I'd never even thought about it before.
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe: There was stuff for men, but it wasn't jewellery. Bar sets, watches and the like. I think they missed out on a market, though perhaps that is no longer true.
DeleteI can usually appreciate craftsmanship but in this case I don't even care about that. Maybe I would like it all better if I was there to see the light sparkling off it.
ReplyDeletekylie: There was a lot of sparkle. A whole lot of sparkle. I think/hope that you could have appreciated the craftsmanship in person, though it was certainly overwhelming.
DeleteNothing like I wear but still lovely to see.
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: A very long way from anything I have worn, do wear, will wear. But I did enjoy looking at them.
DeleteBeautiful hand work, beautiful art. And your photos are really super lovely.
ReplyDeleteHugs
orvokki: Thank you. I took an amazing number of photos and deleted most of them. I do love digital cameras.
Deletelove the dragon jewels. Yes all of this would be uncomfortable to wear
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I have a very soft spot for dragons and I am glad others do too. Not only would the jewellery be uncomfortable I suspect the other items would be difficult to clean.
DeleteDoesn't look like any fun to wear but interesting to look at. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Definitely interesting to look at - how others live.
DeleteThere are some lovely looking pieces, but even if I could get faux jewelry like that, I wouldn’t wear it. These purses though ......
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: The bags are lovely but I couldn't carry them off either. I am just not elegant enough. Ever.
DeleteNothing here for me but I would love a postcard!
ReplyDeletee: I will be happy to send you a card.
DeleteI can't imagine wearing or carrying any of that, actually.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Snap.
DeleteThere is no telling what this stuff is worth.
ReplyDeleteRick Watson: Lots. Elizabeth Taylor was a Cartier fan. After her death an auction of her jewellery raised more than 134 million dollars.
DeleteWow, that was mind-blowing! I loved the dragon. I know I have a soft spot for them, but the work was so intricate. It's funny how removed all of that ornate work so many of us are, but the craftsmanship tells a whole other story, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteCarolyn McBride: The dragon caught my eye immediately too. But the detail of the background to it is also incredible. I do appreciate the craftsmanship - and wish that my father was alive to see it and tell me about it.
DeletePrincess Diana stuff. I could barely lift most of it, let alone carry it all day. Oh, aching shoulders and neck.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Without doubt she has some pieces. I can't remember seeing her featured but...
DeleteAnd yes, aching shoulders and neck - and some of the rings would catch on everything and make your hand too heavy to lift.
Oh my - such gorgeous pieces. Thank you for sharing your photos. I wouldn't want to wear that heavy stuff either. (What women have gone through...)
ReplyDeleteLynn: At least (unlike foot-binding) wearing this jewellery wouldn't cripple you. Or perhaps it would.
DeleteAmazing and lovely pieces of jewelry. I particularly love that last piece. These are much too dangerous times to wear such jewelry but just wonderful to look at.
ReplyDeleteRasma Raisters: I am not tempted to wear any of it, but did enjoy looking.
DeleteDefinitely lots of intricate pieces! I agree with you- lots of it looks scratchy to me too. Heavy too I am sure. It must be hard to have to wear things you really don't feel like wearing- no matter how sparkly. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: I was told that the woman who owned the necklace which is the first postcard wore it only once. Conspicuous consumption at its worst.
DeleteBeautiful but not practical. Wearing something like these we would need to be surrounded by bodyguards.
ReplyDeleteI have a Cartier bracelet bought decades ago. Gold. I have not worn it for years. I don't like gold jewelry anymore. I prefer costume jewelry and I have tons of it. They are fun, colourful, inexpensive and I get many compliments. :))
Caterina: You have a piece of Cartier? Wow. I prefer silver to gold (trained by my father) and the vast majority of my jewellery is definitely costume. I like it that way.
DeleteYour photos are as usual lovely! The jewels are way too OTT fit for museum displays only.
ReplyDeleteI'll stick to my junk :) can wear it anywhere without having to insure my head and wrists...
So pleased to know you collect postcards...coz I do too.
Nilanjana Bose: The sparkle in the exhibition was incredible, but definitely OTT. Not for me, despite the craftsman ship. And hooray for wear anywhere clothing and jewelery.
DeleteI wonder about that clock with a dragon. It's charming, but is the dragon in the back? Seems like a waste of a very good dragon.
ReplyDeleteOlga Godim: The dragon is indeed on the back of the clock - which seemed like a mistake to me. I suppose the idea is that the item needs to be beautiful from any angle.
DeleteDon't think I could wear many of the pieces you photographed. How heavy they must be. Still, it was nice to see them through your photos. I guess everyone has their idea of treasure. Jewelry is not my thing... especially since I don't have the money to buy any.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: The things I consider treasure aren't jewellery either. Books, plants, people...
DeleteI laughed at your old crone statement! I feel the same way as well! Too uncomfortable. LOL. You've posted some incredible pics - thanks for giving us a tour. It was nice to drool over the jewels and gown, but nope, I wouldn't want to wear them.
ReplyDeleteWendy: Welcome and thank you. The old crone bench is getting crowded - with some wonderful company.
DeleteThe pieces are beautifully made but look so uncomfortable to wear. I think it is a form of art??
ReplyDeleteKim Standard: I really don't know. Art or consumerism taken to extremes? They ARE beautifully made though.
DeleteA wonderful exhibit, well photographed but none of it for me thank you. I prefer simpler things in life
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: Thank you. I could find home for several of the clocks, but the jewellery is too ornate for me. And I do like comfort.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing the exhibition. Amazing craftsmanship showing what can be done with precious metal and gemstones. I particularly liked the Egyptian influenced pieces. They are wonderful to look at but I would always be worrying about losing them if I had any.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: The craftsmanship was incredible wasn't it? Lots of it was made using the 'lost wax' technique I expect but the skill blew me away.
DeleteDear EC, thanks for sharing all this. As you and others noted, the craftsmanship is astounding--and the creativity. What the heavy necklaces and the tiaras remind me of is "Downton Abbey." One would need to have perfect posture to keep the tiara in place and to keep the necklaces lying flat against the bosom. I wonder if wearing this kind of jewelry leads to a rigidity of expression and whether it influences whether a person feels comfortable laughing. I don't think a "belly laugh" would keep the heavy pieces balanced! Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee: I thought of the posture issue too. And suspect that if you forgot some of those neck pieces would poke you in a pointed reminder.
DeleteThese gorgeous creations are quite astonishing in their beauty and craftsmanship, and really signify a lifestyle long disappeared, or at least, a lifestyle that I'll never participate in, unless I meet a handsome eligible extremely rich prince, which isn't very likely given my advanced years! Beautiful things. But really, if I had a Cartier necklace or a watch like that, would I wear it? Probably not.
ReplyDeleteShammickite: Not a lifestyle I will ever know either. And not one I yearn after. Simple suits me better.
DeleteOh WOW...these are absolutely STUNNING!!
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine how wonderful it would be to actually wear any of these?
Would also be quite scary though...I mean...imagine if you lost it...
Oh thank you SO much for sharing this.:))
Ygraine: I wasn't tempted by any of the pieces - but am glad to hear that you were. Losing them would be a tragedy. A very expensive tragedy.
DeleteI would be petrified to wear any of those gorgeous pieces. Heck, I'd be nervous being around those beautiful items. I love how the lights are hitting the jewels perfectly. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteElsie
Elsie Amata: The gallery did a superb job of displaying and lighting them didn't it? And the sparkle was incredible.
DeleteOh my, so many wonders. This would be a wonderful exhibition to see.
ReplyDeleteHope your week is filled with sunshine, a light breeze, sparkle and energy.
Sandra Cox: We are so very lucky in the exhibitions that come to the Gallery. I hope your week is filled with joy too.
Deletewould love to see this exhibit. AND I would be happy to wear any of the diamond beauties. I have so many favs in your photos.
ReplyDeleteT. Powell Coltrin: The exhibition was great. I have no diamond lust though. None.
DeleteOh my! I'll take one dragon and an order of alligators (I'm very focused these days or I'd take one of everything). As to the "status crone," I think it's a great and sensible part of life. I can ogle those crowns and gowns forever, but wearing them beyond a few minutes sounds horrible.
ReplyDeletecleemckenzie: Loved the dragon. Always love dragons and would happily make room for them. Hooray for the crone sisters.
DeleteThose are some truly beautiful pieces of art! Especially the dragon watch. I'm partial to watches!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting on the WEP A to Z Blog Contribution - GENRE! And for your wonderful stories!
Yolanda Renee: I am more partial to dragons than I am to clocks - but the result is the same. If I had a free pick I think I would have chosen that one. Or possibly a bejewelled cat brooch (which I would never wear).
DeleteJust lovely to see your photographs.
ReplyDeleteThere are some wonderful pieces here. Perhaps it would be nice to try a few on ...
However, some may not be too comfortable to wear - glad I'm not going to have that problem!!!
Have a lovely week - they seem to go by so quickly.
We were very fortunate to enjoy seeing friends and family over the weekend ...
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member: Thank you. I suspect some of them would be incredibly uncomfortable - a problem I will never face.
Deletechunky bracelet. a few diamonds. a little number.
ReplyDeleteYes, PLEASE!
This took my breath away!!! wow.
My Inner Chick: You would have LOVED this exhibition. Blingtastic.
DeleteSo much exquisiteness in this series. I especially want that blue gem in the last one.
ReplyDeleteTake care, EC.
Rawknrobyn: I believe the last one was once owned by Wallis Simpson. She had a fairly impressive leaping leopard brooch too.
DeleteI can imagine that you were all blinded out after a couple of hours at that exhibition. Some of the pieces are beautiful - I think I like the lizards best although the last one is also very striking.
ReplyDeleteKalpanaa M: We were certainly all blinged out. It was a relief to discover when we emerged from the gallery that it had clouded over and was a grey day. Glad we went though.
DeleteWow! All are so amazing! I loved that ornamental tree! But all looks so glorious!
ReplyDeleteKelly Steel: It really was an impressive display. I was surprised at just how many thing could be bejewelled.
DeleteWOW! No words to express the beauty of each of the items. Each one looks unique and beautiful:)
ReplyDeleteWeekend-Windup: I believe that Cartier prides itself on its unique pieces. Many of the featured pieces in the exhibition had been custom-made for a specific client.
DeleteI'm pretty sure I could never afford any Cartier pieces, but they're interesting to look at. Thanks for the pics.
ReplyDeleteTerra Heck: Welcome and thank you. I could never afford any either.
DeleteWow! Some gorgeous pieces. I'd have to call it all 'art," though, because no way I'd ever want to wear any of it. They're a bit rich for my taste, and in more ways than one. (I'm the kinda person who got over-the-top excited when I found a red leather watchband for my Timex...)
ReplyDeleteSusan: I am not even certain that I would classify it as art. And the little things are huge in my world.
DeleteGotta love that flamingo:)
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: Yes, but it is no more precious than the feathered variety.
DeleteWow - stunning pieces but - as you say - too uncomfortable!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: The crone's bench is getting crowded isn't it? With some excellent company.
DeleteLooking at these pieces makes me swing between respect for the designers and artisans, and a surprisingly curmudgeony discomfort about excessiveness
ReplyDeletekim: No arguments from me. And there have letters to the editor (and no doubt complaints to the gallery) that jewels and excess don't constitute art. The workmanship is incredible, but...
DeleteI would love to see this exhibition! I don't think I would want to wear any of them, LOL, but to see the workmanship, would be amazing!
ReplyDeleteIf you have any postcards left, I would love one! Big Hugs!
Magic Love Crow: I do have a couple of postcards left and would be very happy to send you one. Let me know your address and I will get it off early next week. (My email address is in my profile). Hugs.
Delete