Inger Margrethe Larsen Designer MA (RCA)
Now & Then
A remarkable exhibition of contemporary and antique jewellery exploring the timeless themes of power and politics, life and death, laughter and love
17th July - 28th September 2008
Now & Then is an exhibition borne out of collaboration between the renowned Kath Libbert contemporary jewellery gallery at Salts Mill in Saltaire and Harrogate-based antique jewellery specialist Susan Rumfitt who, for the past three years, has shared her passion and knowledge with millions of viewers as one of the jewellery valuers on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. Susan is also a regular lecturer for the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS).
Throughout history and across civilizations jewellery has had far greater significance than simply being a means of personal adornment, frequently being a powerful and symbolic public declaration of private pain, joy, status or beliefs. Now & Then places an incredible collection of contemporary work by leading jewellers from around the world alongside stunning antique pieces from the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries - curated around four key themes: ‘Sentiment & Sex’, ‘Power & Politics’, ‘The Lighter Side’ and ‘Memento Mori’ - death and mourning.
Designers taking part in Now & Then:
Sentiment and Sex:
Adam Paxon, UK
Georg Dobler, Germany
Kelvin Birk, Germany/UK
Power and Politics:
Silke Spitzer, Germany
Inger Larsen, Denmark (MEDALS)
Ruudt Peters, Netherlands
Susanne Matsche, Austria
Emily Bullock, Australia
Laura Deakin, Australia
The Lighter Side:
Felieke van der Leest, Netherlands
David Bielander, Switzerland
Lindsey Mann, UK
Memento Mori:
Melanie Bilenker, USA
Claudia Stebler, Germany
Constanze Schreibe
The Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery
The Gallery opened at Salts Mill in 1996 and specialises in showcasing a diverse range of contemporary jewellery by renowned designers and emerging talents. A constantly changing selection of contemporary jewellery and accessories is shown throughout the year, complemented by major exhibitions, often featuring top International designers as well as the cream of British talent.
Some of the work on show pushes and blurs the boundaries between art, jewellery design and fashion resulting in jewellery that is, perhaps, best described as wearable art. Pieces are often created using a surprising range of materials and techniques. But the Gallery is also known for its huge choice of beautifully hand-crafted, stylish pieces that are eminently wearable - yet all unique. Because the work is all individually designed and produced, pieces can often be adapted by the jeweller; similar or completely new work can also be commissioned.
Salts Mill is a magnificent Victorian textile mill built by Sir Titus Salt in the centre of Saltaire, the 'model village' he built to house his mill workers. Saltaire, which is surrounded by stunning scenery, was awarded World Heritage Status in 2001. Salts Mill was restored some 20 years ago to show the world's largest collection of works by the artist David Hockney - born in nearby Bradford. Along with Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery, the Mill is also home to Salts Diner and a number of other designer shops and galleries.
Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery
The Yorkshire Post / England 25. July. 2008
