The adage holds true at Andrea S. Keogh Art & Design: good things come in small packages. This gem of a gallery held an enticing champagne reception Friday night for its current exhibit, “All that Glitters: Gold Jewelry from the 60’s – 80’s.” The gold did indeed glitter in this beautifully curated show of fine jewelry and the concentrated quiet of the onlookers was proof of their full engagement and appreciation. Luckily, if you missed it, you may still have a chance to view and purchase a special piece. The show runs until August 6th.
About the Exhibit
The Swinging Sixties unleashed a remarkable period of creativity and innovation in gold jewelry. New-found post-war prosperity in Europe and the US and the attendant disposable income fueled the market for jewelry. Gold prices were relatively low and stable and supplies of 18K gold were ample.
The Sexual Revolution and New Wave Feminism upended fashion. Mini-skirts and bikinis reflected a more relaxed, less structured approach to dressing and life. These new fashions and lifestyles required new jewelry. Jewelers in England, France, Italy, Switzerland and the US exploited the sculptural and sensual possibilities of gold to create an entirely new jewelry art that could be worn at the beach, to work and for an elegant evening out.
American jewelry at the gallery is represented by pieces from David Webb and Trianon Seaman Schepps. A Webb turquoise cocktail ring is the earliest piece in the show and Trianon rock crystal earrings are one of the most recent. Trianon is a division of Seaman Schepps, and these types of shell earrings are synonymous with this American firm.
A fabulous 18K French Brutalist necklace and bracelet set represent the best of this uniquely mid 60’s to 70’s style. Brutalism is generally associated with architecture – massive concrete buildings (usually institutional) – which are aggressively masculine. The Brutalist impulse in jewelry design is complex and exciting. Andrew Grima and Charles de Temple, who both worked in London, are probably the best-known Brutalist jewelers. These French pieces are remarkable for their craftsmanship and their artistry.
Italy is known for its modern design, and gold jewelry is no exception. For centuries Italians have been celebrated for their artistry and luxury goods. Pomellato was founded
in 1967. Italian Elsa Peretti moved to New York City in the 1970’s, partied with Andy Warhol and modelled for Halston before starting her career as a jewelry designer with an exclusive contract with Tiffany in 1974. Marco Bicego took over his family’s Vicenza firm in 2000. All three of these Italian makers share a strong design sensibility and a kind of sophisticated simplicity that make their wearable art pieces uniquely Italian.
About Andrea S. Keogh Art + Design
Andrea S. Keogh Art & Design, LLC specializes in modern & contemporary art. The gallery mounts thematic exhibitions from April – November and features paintings, sculpture and works on paper by artists of national and international standing. It prides itself on its connoisseurship, research and reputation for integrity and count private collectors and museums as clients.
Estate jewelry includes pieces from the 1950’s to the 1980’s by sought-after makers such as Cartier, Lalaounis, Pomellato, Seaman Schepps, Tiffany and Webb.
Located on historic Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island, the intimate gallery overlooks the storied Redwood Library and its’ gardens. The Newport Art Museum is also nearby. Street parking is available on Redwood Street (which runs along the entrance of the Redwood Library) and on Pelham and Mill Streets which border nearby Touro Park.
The exhibit is open until August 6th, 2022.
“All that Glitters: Gold Jewelry from the 60’s – 80’s”
Now through August 6, 2022
Andrea S. Keogh Art + Design
59 Bellevue Ave
Newport, RI 02840
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