Behind the Scenes



September 8, 2008

I was able to study and handle more of the jewellery collection. I am absolutely fascinated by so many of the things I see. Strange constructions, unusual ear wires, great side snaps, exquisitely simple rings of beautiful proportion that have been worn for so long they have become thin and tell of the passage of time and the hands that wore them.

I feel like a visual voracious beast, consuming information about everything I see. I metaphorically lick my lips in immense satisfaction at the end of a session where I have handled jewellery from the collection.

I am particularly fascinated by the English seed-pearl pieces, c 1820 where the pearls were attached by horsehair. The front looks perfectly organised but the back looks as though a confused spider has spun a crazy web all over it. I find myself increasingly interested by the alternative message communicated by the reverse of some pieces.

Seed_pearl_horsehair

About the author



September 8, 2008

Dorothy Hogg is internationally recognised as both an artist jeweller and a teacher of jewellery and silversmithing. She has enjoyed a lifetime of success as a world-renowned maker, and was...

More from Dorothy Hogg
0 comments so far, view or add yours

Add a comment

Please read our privacy policy to understand what we do with your data.

MEMBERSHIP

Join today and enjoy unlimited free entry to all V&A exhibitions, Members-only previews and more

Find out more

SHOP

Find inspiration in our incredible range of exclusive gifts, jewellery, books, fashion, prints & posters and much more...

Find out more