Magazine 'Masterpieces in Miniature: Treasures from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection'

Museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver

MASTER PIECES in Miniature

05.03.21– 15.08.21 Treasures from the Rosalinde � Arthur Gilbert Collection

A V&A Exhibition – Touring the World

Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert, ca. 1950 © V&A Archive of Art and Design

CONTENTS 2

Preface 4

A portrait of Rosalinde � Arthur Gilbert 12

Interview with gemmologist Joanna Whalley 16

Snuffboxes, a royal gift with an underlying message 18

About DIVA 20

Activities

Hebban olla vogala nestas hagunnan *

“

A famous collector once confided in me that you should collect with your heart. Never strategically and never as an investment, but because something strikes you as beautiful. After all, beauty can never disappoint, investments can.

— Eva Olde Monnikhof, 2021

Owl cup, Master with pelican, Antwerp, 1548-1549 © Collection King Baudouin Foundation, on loan to DIVA, photo: Dominique Provost

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* A love of birds is closely tied up with the Dutch language. “Hebban olla vogala nestas hagunnan hinase hic anda thu, wat unbidan we nu?” is the earliest known sentence in Dutch. It means: “All birds are nesting, apart from you and me. What are we waiting for?”

Eva Olde Monnikhof Director of DIVA

Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert lived by this motto. When Sir Arthur was asked why they collected, he replied simply that they loved beautiful things. The combination of good taste and the availability of serious money enabled the Gilberts to build a spectacular collection.

Besides beautiful micromosaics, this colourful collection contains a selection of birds. From a silver swan to drinking cups in the shape of a bird. It was one of these cups that was on my wish-list when the Victoria and Albert Museum, home to the Gilbert Collection, confirmed that we could house this collection for a while.

One of the showpieces in our own museum, DIVA, is an owl cup by an unknown Antwerp maker. On long-term loan to us from the King Baudouin Foundation, this cup, represents a rather arrogant owl.

Partridge cup, Georg Rühl, Nuremberg, 1598-1602 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum

Inscribed in Flemish in the inside rim, just below the owl’s head, is a verse written: “when all birds are in bed, this owl flies best”.

The Gilbert Collection contains a bird of a different feather. A chic female. A partridge. Made of gold and silver and set with precious gems and feathers carved from mother-of-pearl, she looks somewhat disapprovingly at the world.

To our great delight, the V&A agreed that these two love birds should have their first date in the city where love is sealed with a diamond ring: Antwerp!

You can witness this match made in heaven at DIVA, where you will be given exclusive access to the world of the Gilberts and their dazzling collection. I do hope you will visit us this spring and fall in love, just as I did, with our feathered pair.

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“

We had always loved beautiful things and [the Collection] just grew...

— Rosalinde Gilbert, 1987

A PORTRAIT OF

Rosalinde � Arthur Gilbert Arthur Gilbert (1913-2001), who was born Abraham Bernstein, and Rosalinde Gilbert (1913-1995) first met at a ball at Madame Tussauds in London. They married several years later, in 1934. With just 500 pounds, they founded a ladies’ fashion house in London called Rosalinde Gilbert Ltd, supplying high-end gowns to fashion stores.

As everyone addressed Arthur as

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Mr. Gilbert, he decided to change his name, albeit against his father’s wishes.

By 1945 their company was so successful that the Gilberts, still only in their thirties, were able to move to California with retirement in mind. But in fact they went on to make their major fortune in property development there.

The couple built one of the 20thcentury’s most complete private collections of decorative objects. And they insisted upon sharing it with the public. Part of that collection first went on show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in the 1970s.

After Rosalinde’s death in 1995, Arthur decided to move the collection, together with other personal treasures, to London, the city of his birth.

They were on display in Somerset House for some eight years before being transferred to the V&A in 2008.

Young Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert © V&A Archive of Art and Design

This exhibition Masterpieces in Miniature presents around 100 objects from the Gilbert Collection under three different themes: Art of the Illusion, Shine and Scale and Pocket-size Perfection. The titles give an indication of the eclecticism and quality of the Gilbert Collection.

The Art of Illusion

Their search for unusual objects to furnish their villa in Beverly Hills soon turned them into passionate collectors.

The Gilberts took advice from experts and the best antique dealers. Fortuitously for them, some extraordinary pieces, which for centuries had been part of princely, aristocratic or other prominent collections, were coming onto the market.

Rather than an art collector, Arthur Gilbert considered himself “a maniac who collects micromosaics”. His passion was ignited in 1969 when he acquired what were initially believed to be two cracked paintings. They were, in fact, mosaics made of the most minute pieces of coloured glass he had ever seen. This was a forgotten artform and the Gilberts became its champion, allegedly coining the term ‘micromosaic’ to distinguish the technique from traditional Roman mosaics.

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A View of the Colosseum, micromosaic, Domenico Moglia, Rome, ca. 1851 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum

They scoured the art market for examples of this technique, whether in the form of delicate jewellery or substantial tabletops. Gradually they built one of the largest collections in the world and shared their newlyacquired knowledge of the artform through publications and exhibitions.

Arthur also acquired pietre dure, or hardstone mosaics. He sought museum-quality pieces as well as lesser examples, and sometimes collected several versions of the same subject to demonstrate the incredible variety and multiple facets of these mosaic crafts.

The art forms of pietre dure and micromosaics emerged in Italy, with the ambition to create the eternal illusion of a painting in stone or glass.

Shine and Scale

The Beautiful Sky of Italy, table in micromosaic, Cavaliere Michelangelo Barberi, Rome, 1845 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum

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Arthur acquired his first piece of silver from an antique shop on Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles, in 1969.

At the time, he and Rosalinde were furnishing their new home in Beverly Hills and choosing objects for their look. However, they rapidly became connoisseurs.

They familiarized themselves with the major makers and developed a keen eye for the craft of fascinating techniques and treatments used

to embellish silver and gold. They added Russian, European, Indian and Northern- and SouthernAmerican items to their core of 18th- and 19th-century British silver, forming a comprehensive collection of gold and silver objects. The collection demonstrates how silverand goldsmiths across the globe have responded throughout history to the evolving fashions, tastes and customs of their clients.

Partridge cup, Georg Rühl, Nuremberg, 15981602 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum

Treasures from the Renaissance The Gilberts amassed a superb selection of Renaissance treasures, predominantly drinking vessels, made with silver and gold mounts and exotic materials such as nautilus shells or ibex horn. These demonstrated the wonders of

nature, the technical prowess of the artist, and the culture and prestige of their owners. Arthur chose the exquisite partridge as a heraldic symbol for his coat of arms, designed when he was knighted in 2001.

The Gilbert’s Tudor-style house in Los Angeles © V&A Archive of Art and Design

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Arthur Gilbert’s first silver acquisition: Compote and cover, Paul Storr, London, 1820-1821 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum

A Turban shell cup with silver-gilt mounts, England or Flanders, ca. 1585 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum

Elegant dining From the 16th century, displays of silver – and consequently of wealth and status – increasingly put in an appearance when entertaining.

As the number and type of social gatherings multiplied, so too did the quantity and range of silver wares, reflecting the evolution of wealth across Europe. Although items of silver were often melted down and reshaped to suit changing needs and tastes, the Gilberts managed to acquire some rare survivors. The couple were renowned for their lavish parties. They would use their historic silver collection with the result that their guests experienced some of history’s most extravagant dining traditions.

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Table centrepiece, Thomas Pitts, London, 1763-1764 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum

Pocket-size perfection The Gilberts developed a passion for collecting objects of vertu – i.e. small objects created from precious materials – those quintessential elements of 18th-century opulence and luxury. Costly enamel portrait miniatures, snuffboxes, sewing tools and other accessories put in a daily appearance in fashionable circles. It was quite by chance that the Gilberts started collecting snuffboxes and enamel portraits.

They acquired their first gold snuffbox in 1975 and it happened to be mounted with two enamel portraits. Within just two decades, they had built one of the most

Silver chocolate pot, Samuel Courtauld, London, 1750-1751 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum

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“

[Gold boxes] are actually sensual, SENSUAL, and they have to be handled…

— Arthur Gilbert, 1998

comprehensive collections of snuffboxes from all the major European goldsmithing centers, including some of the finest pieces ever produced by French and German makers. Many of Arthur Gilbert’s contemporaries remember him appreciatively handling his latest acquisition, the tiniest details giving him untold pleasure.

This exhibition is a rare opportunity to enter Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert’s world replete with dazzling objets d’art.

Masterpieces in Miniature: Treasures from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection.

A V&A exhibition – Touring the world with the support of the Gilbert Trust for the Arts – presented at DIVA, museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver, Antwerp.

You can read more about the Gilbert Collection on the V&A website.

Apart from Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert’s full story, you will find an online collection and short films. Scan the QR code to access the V&A website.

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A gold and rock crystal snuffbox, with enamel butterflie, probably Dresden, ca. 1770 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum

“T

he Gilberts were fervent and impassioned collectors and, as such, esteemed visitors at antique fairs all over the world. Certainly they made a great impression on me.

Their first interest was in silver.

They would often enlist the help of dealers in tracking down that rare piece missing from their collection.

As collectors the Gilberts understood that unique pieces can give life a whole new dimension. They provide insight into history and different cultures and generate respect for the crafts.

Axel Vervoordt Art and antique dealer

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A jewelled gold and chrysoprase snuffbox of Frederik the Great, Berlin, ca. 1765 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum

INTERVIEW

with gemmologist Joanna Whalley Can you introduce yourself briefly?

My name is Joanna Whalley and I am the Senior Metals Conservator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as a proud member of DIVA’s Acquisitions Committee for 'Jewellery, Accessories and Diamonds before 1958'. As a qualified gemmologist, I specialise in gem materials and jewellery.

What is your favourite piece in the exhibition Masterpieces in Miniature?

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The selection is dazzling and I have coveted many different favourites over the years, but perhaps the most persistent is the wonderful Hawk Cup, made in Ulm, Germany, around 1600. His curious expression and proud posture are a joy to behold and though he is believed to have been made during the early stages of the Age of Enlightenment, he is still firmly clinging on to the past. The Hawk Cup combines several powerful amulets used to counteract, or entirely prevent, the effects of poisoning. The most prominent is the coconut shell, a rare

material that was highly prized for its ability to protect those who drank from it. An intaglio gem engraved with a scorpion (thought to be Roman) is displayed at the breast. The gem itself is a bloodstone (heliotrope) cabochon, a dark green jasper with red bloodlike flecks, and the eyes of the hawk are set with carnelians. Both bloodstone and carnelian were believed to protect against haemorrhage and inflammation, common symptoms of poisoning, whilst the form of a scorpion was believed to act as a powerful antidote. The Hawk’s wings are hinged too – so he has it all!

the chrysoprase with such artifice that they appear to glow under even the gentlest light, whilst the chrysoprase itself has its own soft radiant quality.

It’s truly breath-taking.

Hawk cup, possibly Samuel or Hans Kassborer, Ulm, ca. 1600 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum

What is so special about Frederik the Great's snuffbox from your point of view?

It’s a celebration of the jewellers’ art at its very best. I was given the opportunity to examine the box in detail and I very much enjoyed learning more about the skilful techniques employed to create it.

The entire effect is the work of a team of the very best lapidaries, diamantaires, goldsmiths, mounters and setters of the time. The diamonds have been cut and polished to make the most of their sometimes rather shallow forms, and they have been so very beautifully set in closely-fitted settings that aim to hide and protect the clever little deceptions that lie beneath. The carved gemstone flowers have been applied directly to

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If I own a snuffbox/jewel set with diamonds, what tips would you give me for cleaning?

This may not be as straightforward as it sounds! It really does depend on the item and the intended surface finish, as well as the type of settings and, of course, the current condition. I would say that if in any doubt, always consult a specialist conservator.

Always check that diamonds are secure in their setting before cleaning. In heavily worn jewellery, there is a risk that in removing accretions, loose diamonds may fall from their settings. Should the diamonds be set in open-backed settings, then (and only then) it may be safe to carefully clean the stones using warm water with a little gentle detergent and a soft brush to get behind the settings.

Do not immerse the jewel, particularly if there are any spaces where water might get trapped. Blot with a lintfree cloth and allow to dry. Take care not to catch the settings during these processes.

Invariably white diamonds are set in white metal in order to improve colour. Up until the 1890’s, the metal used was silver. Unfortunately silver tarnishes and eventually blackens over time and so it must be cleaned if the diamonds are to be seen as intended. This is complicated by the

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fact that until the late 18th century diamonds were almost always set in closed-back settings, either over a black backing to enhance reflectivity, or over a high-purity silver foil. So, as cleaning fluids and solvents have a habit of finding any small gaps in gem settings, where they cause irreversible damage, they must be avoided at all costs. Careful cleaning using dry methods, such as silver cloths, should be used if necessary.

18th-century gold boxes often employ a variety of differently coloured gold alloys, such as red, green and white, as well as the more usual yellow gold. Where these alloys meet, a galvanic cell is created and tarnish does eventually occur. To slow this process down, one must always store, or display the objects, in a dry environment, free of any pollutants.

Avoid proximity to fresh wood, wool, felt, rubber or any other materials that are likely to release harmful vapours over time. If tarnishing does occur, gently clean the surface using a cotton wool bud moistened with denatured alcohol at the very most (avoiding any gem-settings). Should further cleaning be necessary, do contact an experienced conservator for an assessment.

MASTERPIECES

MASTERPIECES in Miniature

T

“O

he rosalinde and arthur gilbert collection, now housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum,

London, is one of the most significant collections

of European decorative arts acquired privately in the

twentieth century. Built up by an indefatigable couple over a forty-year period, it comprises nearly 1,000 masterpieces – works created from precious metals, gold snuffboxes,

enamel portraits and mosaics – chosen for their virtuosity, magnificence and rarity. Masterpieces in Miniature

presents highlights from the collection and accompanies its spectacular presentation at DIVA, the museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver in Antwerp.

Treasures from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection

02/12/2020 02:54

For further reading about the Gilbert Collection see Masterpieces in Miniature. Treasures from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, a brand new publication

by V&A Publishing that presents highlights from the collection and accompanies its spectacular presentation at DIVA. Available at DIVA from the 5th of March 2021 onwards. Order information see www.divaantwerp.be.

Author: Alice Minter With contributions by Jacques Schumacher and Joanna Whalley ISBN: 9789078487197 Pages: 57 Ticket price: € 12

ne of my favourite objects in the collection is the chrysoprase snuff box. It is a mesmerizing object, encrusted with diamonds, the bright green of the chrysoprase looks almost unreal. This box was made for Frederick the Great in 1765 to wow and impress his royal court, his goldsmiths made some of the world's most incredible boxes. I always take a moment to peek at it in our galleries, and wonder at the skill and patience which went into producing something like this.

We do hope taking these wonderful objects on tour will open our collection to the whole world, and fulfilling the Gilberts’ main wish for their collection, which was not to collect for themselves but for everyone.

Jessica Eddie Assistant curator of the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection - V&A

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Presentation snuffbox Queen Victoria, Charles Colin & Sons, Hanau, 1837 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum

SNUFFBOXES a royal gift with an underlying message

Wim Nys

Head of Collections and Research at DIVA

The bond between the Belgian and British royal households was particularly strong in the 19th century. The ambitious Leopold of Saxe-CoburgSaalfeld hoped to become British Prince Consort through his marriage to Charlotte of Wales but her early death decided otherwise. In the end, in 1831, he became the first king of Belgium. His sister Victoria married Prince Edward. Until 2015, daughter Victoria was the longest reigning monarch in British history, the period of her reign becoming known as the Victorian era. The press devoted many pages to Queen Victoria’s visits to Belgium, including her visit in 1852 when Antwerp was on her itinerary.

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Gifts were exchanged on official visits and special occasions to cultivate diplomatic relations or affirm recognition or as a token of remembrance. Sometimes these gifts took the form of insignia, but gold snuffboxes embellished with crowned monograms or portrait miniatures were also representative and valuable presents, particularly when set with diamonds. But the underlying message of these presentation snuffboxes was an expression of the social status of giver and recipient.

Shortly after her accession to the throne, Queen Victoria presented

Colonel Francis Venables-VernonHarcourt with a gold snuffbox with the diamond monogram VR (Victoria Regina) for services rendered as equerry at Kensington Palace. Arthur Gilbert purchased the snuffbox at an auction in London in 1993. The snuffbox was made in Germany and more specifically in Hanau, a leading production centre for gold snuffboxes in the 19th century. Unfinished examples were assembled by jewellers to the royal household and finished with miniatures, monograms or engraved inscriptions according to the occasion.

King Leopold II, a first cousin of Queen Victoria, gave snuffboxes when carrying out official duties but also in a family context. The gold snuffboxes were purchased from (among others) the firm

Visit by Queen Victoria to Antwerp in 1852, The Illustrated London News, August 21st 1852 © Alamy Stock Photo

Weishaupt in Hanau and adapted by purveyors to the royal household, like Auguste Dufour, to suit the occasion or addressee. In 2015 the King Baudouin Foundation bought a gold snuffbox with portrait miniature and brilliants which can be linked to the birth of Archduchess Elisabeth Marie of Austria, daughter of crown prince Rudolf of Austria and Princess Stéphanie.

Presentation snuffbox king Leopold II, C.M. Weishaupt, Hanau, ca. 1875-1883 © Collection King Baudouin Foundation, Fund Christian Bauwens on loan to DIVA, photo: Dominique Provost

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ABOUT DIVA DIVA is the museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver in Antwerp. Step inside for an unforgettable journey through the rich history of diamonds and goldsmithing in Antwerp and learn all about the trade and consumption of the ultimate luxury goods and the skills involved in making them.

DIVA atelier Whether you are a jewellery and goldsmithing specialist or an enthusiastic amateur, you are welcome at DIVA atelier! For the specialists, we hold masterclasses on specific techniques, old and new. For those with little or no knowledge or experience of jewellery and silver, we run a range of workshops and summer ateliers throughout the year. Register for the workshops on our website.

DIVA library For all those looking to gain a better understanding of diamonds jewellery and silver, or to marvel at the Special Collections, welcome to the museum library. Take a seat in the reading room, go through our magazines or consult our fysical and digital resources. Check the website for the opening times and follow us on instagram DIVAlibrary.

Where to find us?

DIVA is located right in the heart of Antwerp’s historic centre and yet just a short walk from the quays. This makes the museum easy to reach by bicycle, water bus, public transport and car as well as on foot.

DIVA is open every day from 10 to 18.00 hrs, except on Wednesdays.

Buy your tickets online at www.divaantwerp.be.

DIVA, Suikerrui 17-19, 2000 Antwerp Questions?

Email us at info@divaantwerp.be or phone us on +32 (0)3 360 52 52.

Access DIVA is wheelchair-friendly and accessible for people with reduced mobility and those with a visual and/or hearing impairment.

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Follow us DIVA.Antwerp DIVAantwerp Share your experience #DIVAantwerp Tickets Buy your ticket online at www.divaantwerp.be. The entrance ticket entitles you to visit the museum’s permanent collection and its special exhibitions.

Adults: €12 Concessions: €7 - 26 years old: €7 - 12 years old free Attention: as of 1 September 2021 the prices will change.

Go to www.divaantwerp.be for special promotions and information for pass-holders.

“W

e are so proud that DIVA in Antwerp is to be the first to present the international touring exhibition Masterpieces in Miniature.

And where more appropriate to show the Gilbert Collection than in a city that has been a major European production and trading centre for art and luxury products from every corner of the world, including diamonds, jewellery and silver, ever since the 16th century.

As an unconventional art collector and philanthropist, Arthur Gilbert was something of a celebrity, which means that the famous waxwork of him will look very much at home in a museum called DIVA!

Alice Minter Curator of the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection - V&A

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ACTIVITIES DIVA’s programme of activities and learning opportunities is designed for young and old.

Go to www.divaantwerp.be/ agenda for more information and to find out about new activities, which are added throughout the year.

Please note: we advise you to check on the website that the planned activity is going ahead in the light of possible corona regulations. Tickets should be reserved in advance via the web shop.

Don’t want to miss a thing?

Then sign up for DIVA’s monthly newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

25.10.2020 – 14.03.2021 EXHIBITION / THE ART OF CHASING 30.10.2020 – 14.03.2021 EXHIBITION / THE JEWELLER´S ART. REVOLUTIONARY JEWELLERY FROM THE 1960S AND 70'S 05.03.2021 – 15.08.2021 EXHIBITION / MASTERPIECES IN MINIATURE: TREASURES FROM THE ROSALINDE AND ARTHUR GILBERT COLLECTION In association with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, DIVA is presenting the exhibition Masterpieces in Miniature: Treasures from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection.

Masterpieces in Miniature is an ode to Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert’s stunning legacy. A selection of items from different parts of the Gilbert Collection in London will be on display on the European continent for the very first time. This is your chance to admire those treasures from close to.

Price: included in your entrance ticket

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ON-GOING

ON-GOING

EXHIBITION / DIVA, A BRILLIANT STORY

TOUR / WITH GUIDE

DIVA’s permanent collection is brought to life in six rooms, each of which tells a story. Marvel at DIVA´s dazzling collection as you journey through 500 years of craftsmanship.

Guided tours of Masterpieces in Miniature will go ahead provided corona regulations allow.

Check out the latest information at: www.divaantwerp.be

Price: included in your entrance ticket 05.03.2021 – 15.08.2021 FAMILY TRAIL / EYE FOR DETAIL

14.03, 11.04, 09.05, 13.6, 11.07 and 08.08.2021 TOUR / DIVA DELUXE MASTERPIECES IN MINIATURE Price: entrance ticket + €2 Start time: 14.00 hrs The dates are conditional.

Go to www.divaantwerp.be to check the agenda for up-to-date information.

25.04.2021

Children are encouraged to use their eyes and scrutinize every last detail of the Masterpieces in Miniature exhibition. All budding detectives will be given a magnifying glass to help them fulfil the ‘looking’ assignments.

For children aged 8 to 11 Price: free

EVENT / HERITAGE DAY On Heritage Day 2021 a number of lesser-known stars from our collection will steal the limelight.

Make sure you also pop along to the DIVA atelier where silversmiths will be demonstrating their skills.

Price: free

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DIVA ATELIER 10.04.2021 – 11.04.2021 WORKSHOP / DRAWING GEMS The ancient art of painting jewellery in gouache is a process that requires precision and creativity.

Every drawing of a jewel is a mini-masterpiece, a desirable artwork, and consequently an art form treasured by historical houses as an important part of their heritage. This workshop is an introduction to a series of precious stone varieties and cuts and to various drawing and painting techniques using gouache to capture renderings of stones. No prior knowledge is required for this workshop.

Price: € 125 05.07.2021 – 09.07.2021 MASTERCLASS / SILVIA WEIDENBACH Silvia Weidenbach was the first V&A Gilbert Collection artistin-residence. By melding digital design, 3D printing and traditional silversmithing techniques, she creates exuberant, eye-catching jewellery. During this masterclass, she will take participants on a creative journey through the Masterpieces in Miniature exhibition and introduce them to a range of materials and work processes.

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This masterclass is suitable for professional silver- and goldsmiths.

26.07.2021 – 30.07.2021 and 02.08.2021 – 07.08.2021 WORKSHOP / SILVERSMITHING FOR BEGINNERS AND THE MORE ADVANCED Beginners start by mastering the basic techniques of silversmithing.

You will learn to saw, file, sand, polish and forge and you will have the satisfaction of going home with a little silver dish you have made with your own two hands. Once you are adept at these techniques, you are free to create your own designs. These summer workshops are designed for mixed abilities with beginners and the more advanced working side by side and coached according to their individual needs.

Price: €105 per day, participants enrol for a minimum of 3 days 23.08.2021 – 27.08.2021

WORKSHOP / FORGING SPOONS This workshop is a step-by-step introduction to shaping and eventually finishing a metal spoon. Forging is an ancient metalsmithing technique which is simple and fun to do.

Price: € 105 per day, participants enrol for a minimum of 2 days

DIVA TALKS

08.07.2021

20.05.2021

DIVA TALK / SILVIA WEIDENBACH

In this DIVA talk, the curator of the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection and the Masterpieces in Miniature exhibition, Alice Minter, will discuss the Gilberts’ fascination with collecting and consider several of the most iconic pieces in the collection.

Silvia Weidenbach is a jewellery designer who fuses traditional techniques and new technologies to create unique and striking pieces. In 2019 she was the first V&A Gilbert Collection artist-in-residence.

During that residency she drew inspiration from the impressive collection and created a gold box entitled Visual Feast. This evening she will talk the audience through that fascinating creative process.

Start: 19.30 hrs Price: €5, €3

Start: 19.30 hrs Price: €5, €3

DIVA TALK / ALICE MINTER. MASTERPIECES IN MINIATURE: INSIGHTS FROM THE CURATOR

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DIVA AT HOME

ONLINE EXHIBITION / MASTERPIECES IN MINIATURE

If you can’t come to DIVA, DIVA will come to you! View our online exhibitions from the safety of your own home.

Shortly after Masterpieces in Miniature opens on March 5th, you’ll also be able to view the exhibition online. Sign up for our newsletter for details of the online opening.

ONLINE EXHIBITION/ THE JEWELLER´S ART Pour over jewellery from the 1960s and 70s by taking the digital tour or thumbing through the illustrated visitors’ guide. The digital tour is also available in virtual reality and you’ll find it at www.divaantwerp.be.

PERMANENT ONLINE COLLECTION Feast your eyes on DIVA’s permanent collection at www.divaantwerp.be/collection Whether you’re interested in men’s jewellery, design sketches or art and design objects, navigating your way through the various categories on the website couldn’t be easier. You’ll find scholarly articles under the heading ‘research’ in the menu bar.

DIVA ON SOCIAL MEDIA If you’d prefer a daily update on exhibitions, news stories, series focussing on diamonds, jewellery or silver, etc., why not follow DIVA on Facebook or Instagram and share the experience of your visit via the hashtag #DIVAantwerp?

DIVA.Antwerp

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DIVAantwerp

COLOPHON This magazine was produced by DIVA, museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver.

Coordinator: Suzanne de Lange Texts: Suzanne de Lange, Leonie Maerevoet, Wim Nys, Eva Olde Monnikhof and Joanna Whalley Editors: An Labis and Leonie Maerevoet Graphic design: Shtick With special thanks to: Jessica Eddie, Alice Minter, Axel Vervoordt, V&A Touring Exhibitions © 2021 DIVA for this publication, all rights reserved.

Publisher: Eva Olde Monnikhof, director DIVA, Gildekamersstraat 9, 2000 Antwerp Copyright registration: D/2021/14.608/9 Disclaimer: While DIVA has made every effort to acknowledge all copyrights in accordance with copyright law, anyone who believes that an omission has occurred should contact the publisher.

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MASTERPIECES IN MINIATURE: TREASURES FROM THE ROSALINDE AND ARTHUR GILBERT COLLECTION. 05.03.2021 - 15.08.2021 A V&A exhibition – Touring the world with the support of the Gilbert Trust for the Arts – presented at DIVA, museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver, Antwerp.

Basket of fruits and flowers, micromosaic, Rome, ca. 1840-1850 © Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to Victoria and Albert Museum