The Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (ADFAS) will be hosting its monthly guest speaker on Thursday, August 8.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Andrew Prince will present the talk 'Jewelled Journeys: The art of opulent travel' from 7.30pm at the Berry School of Arts.
Throughout history, travelling has been used as a way to display wealth, power and status, as well as a useful tool to control mighty subjects.
Today, we take a journey as a matter of course, not thinking much of a distance of a hundred kilometres or more.
In the past it was very different as an Aristocrat had to take not only clothes, but food, furniture, cooking facilities, tents, and the like, not just for himself and family but his household as well.
In this talk, Andrew shows the many lavish and opulent accessories and modes of transport that were used by Monarchs and Aristocracy alike, to ease travel while on their seasonal "progress" to and from each other's estates, and where diplomatic meetings turned into a contest of rivals to see who could outdo each other in the finest accommodation, jewels, silks, retinue and luggage train.
Andrew's passion for jewellery began as a small child. He started work in London's Bond Street, working for the Antiques Roadshow expert Ian Harris.
Here he developed an appreciation for jewels that were valued for their quality of design and craftsmanship, rather than for how much the stones in the piece were worth.
Andrew's commissions have graced Mrs Henderson Presents, starring Judy Dench and The Young Victoria starring Emily Blunt and Miranda Richardson.
In 2012 he was chosen by the creators of Downton Abbey to supply a large collection of jewellery for the third series.
ADFAS Shoalhaven is a not for profit organisation where you can learn more about the arts in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Information on the society and the 2019 program can be found at adfas.org.au/shoalhaven/
Entry to the lecture is $25 cash or card at the door, which includes a light supper, or is included in the $140 yearly membership.