The latest exhibition at SHOWstudio focuses on fine jewellery maker, Shaun Leane who created nine exclusive pieces for his SHOWcabinet. Curated by the jeweller, the exhibition is set as a chamber of curiosities with the jewellery in the middle surrounded by the inspirations for each piece.
Shaun Leane, is known for his modern and romantic jewels. He trained at Hatton Garden and began working with late Alexander McQueen while he was a goldsmith. Their collaboration resulted in the creation of provocative catwalk jewels that have become iconic. This led to Shaun Leane creating his own jewellery line; Shaun Leane Jewellery in 1999, in a need to combine technical perfection with creative freedom. He likes to create traditional jewellery with a touch of modernity and eternity.
Detailed shots of the bespoke pieces:
The Serpent’s Trace Bracelet, 2014, white gold with pavé white diamonds
Aerial Earrings, 2014
Fire Opal Butterfly Brooch, 2014
Diamond Tusk Earring, 2013
Diamond Jewel Beetle Brooch, 2014
Inspirations include a Medusa Emerald, a silk wedding Kimono from the archive of Daphne Guinness, an original Damien Hirst butterfly painting, artwork created by mirrors by Ahn Chulhyun, a collection of tropical beetles by Alexis Turner, a feather hat with Swarofski crystals by Philip Treacy and a coiled neckpiece, created by Shaun Leane for Alexander McQueen’s show in 2000.
Each piece from the bespoke jewellery collection represent a key motif connected with the artwork, fashion pieces or natural history specimens mentioned above.
Damien Hirst, Psalm 136: Confitemini, 2008
The most interesting artwork that provided the inspiration behind the butterfly brooch, is the Damien Hirst painting, PSALM 136: Confetimini, which included butterfly wings in a circular pattern. Hirst is fascinated with finding beauty in death and in this piece he references the spiritual symbolism of the butterfly found in Christian imagery as connected to resurrection. The butterfly brooch, celebrates life and is made using mexican fire opals and black and white diamonds. Hirst and Leane hadn’t worked together before, but as soon as the project was explained to him Hirst wanted to get involved.
Su Blackwell, Rose (left) Carnation (right), 2010, paper cut scuplures
The exhibition also features a single diamond tusk earring, an ode to the first time Shaun Leane and Alexander McQueen collaborated for the first time in 1994.
There are also some jewellery from Shaun Leane’s line that are also for sale, I absolutely love the earrings, which can also be bought on SHOWstudio’s online shop.
The exhibition is on till the 29th of August and it’s definitely worth a look!
You can also watch the exclusive ‘In Fashion’ interview by Lou Stoppard with Shaun Leane here.
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SHOWstudio Shop
19 Motcomb Street
Mon-Fri 11:00-18:00
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Photo credit: personal
xo Fani
