Inspired by the V&A jewellery gallery
Introducing an exclusive range by artist Jessie Bayliss, featuring illustrations inspired by pieces in the V&A jewellery collection.
Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artist's creative process and the precious objects that inspired the design.
Meet the artist
London-based illustrator Jessie Bayliss is known for her intricate, nostalgic works inspired by botanical illustration and Victoriana.
Her passion for drawing and nature began early, sketching flowers from the garden and experimenting with homemade inks. As she grew older, inspiration came from Victorian ink illustrations. Honing her skill in capturing the fascination with nature that was characteristic of the era, she infuses historic references with her contemporary illustration practice.
"I loved getting lost in the details — the diamonds, the flowers, all the flourishes. Working on the collection for the V&A has been an honour and a maximalist illustrator’s dream."
Jessie in her home studio with assistant, Bert.
See the creative process
The starting point for the designs was Jessie's visit to the popular jewellery galleries at V&A South Kensington. Her highlights from the display were four pieces of 19th-century Victorian design. Focused on their decorative motifs and intricate details, and working both with pen and ink and digitally, Jessie meticulously hand-drew each jewel, before layering them into a repeat pattern suitable for silk and other materials.
Left to right: A Victorian locket in the V&A Collection, Jessie hand-drawing her selected references, refining and embellishing the illustrations digitally, the final repeat pattern in colour ready for printing.
"I was struck by the delicate beauty of the pieces... I wanted to match that level of craftsmanship. The final ink outline took over 100 hours to complete."
Jessie's meticulous bodice ornament illustration, hand-drawn in pen and pencil.
Take home exclusive creations
Explore the collections
V&A South Kensington, Jewellery, Rooms 91
Bodice ornament in the form of a floral spray, about 1850, possibly made in England.
Museum no. M.115-1951. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Left: Stamped gold earring set with peridot, made in England c.1835. An early example of industrialised jewellery production.
Museum no. M.264-1919. Bequeathed by John George Joicey.
Right: Gold necklace with tubular links, a popular style in the Victorian period. Made in England, about 1860.
Museum no. M.41-1968. Given by Miss Victoria Leveson-Gower.
Heart-shaped locket, made in England, about 1840, gold set with ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst and diamonds spelling the word 'REGARD', and containing a panel of woven hair under glass.
Museum no. M.6-1986. Given by Gerald Harris, in memory of his wife, Sylvia.
More to explore
Other products inspired by the V&A Jewellery galleries
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