Diamonds & Deadthings – Spring Exhibition 2011

From May the 7th we are launching ‘diamonds & deadthings’, an exhibition, recreating the wonder of the cabinets of curiosities of the past.

‘Colonol James Blashford’

Kelly McCallum and Märta Mattsson, graduates of the Royal College of Art are exciting new artists, updating the cabinet of curiosities for a new audience; by injecting their collections with humour, glamour and a twist of Victoriana. Their love of taxidermy and obscuring the expected united these talented artists, to collaborate, starting with a workshop in Poland last summer.

‘Brown Beetle’

The collection is a modern twist on taxidermy through the use of semi-precious stones and metals that bring the jewellery to life as objects of beauty and astonishment. These miniature objects of delight, feature stones such as black diamonds and pink sapphires or embellishments with gold such as delicate moustaches or glasses, whilst others are encased in golden resins or merged with vintage wallpapers, or sprinkled with luminous malachite creating unique and captivating treasures.

‘Lady Wilamina Cartwright’

Kelly McCallum’s works explores personalities and humour, naming her pieces with titles such as ‘Lord Alfred Turnbull’ or ‘Lady Willamina Cartwright’ evokes a playfulness; a touch of whimsy, in the case of Lady Willamina Cartwright who sports a moustache. Each piece assumes a personality, allowing the viewer or the wearer to create a story for them. Whether they are a funny little friend on your lapel or a brilliant way to start a conversation, they will capture your imagination.

‘Admiral Gustav Ullrich’

‘Lord Alfred Turnbull’

“I would like to have dinner with Lord Alfred, even the briefest affair with Lady Willamina, though that might be going too far.” Theo Fennell

‘Amber’

Examining the tensions between attraction and repulsion through her works, Märta Mattsson hopes to translate ordinary and familiar objects into extraordinary and unfamiliar. Taking reference from the eighteenth century cabinets of curiosities, Märta brings new life to the creatures in her work, allowing her audiences to rediscover their beauty whilst reminding them that once they were considered extraordinary and to be marvelled at.

‘Reindeer Bow’

‘Flower Beetle’

About Kelly McCallum

Kelly McCallum graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2006 and is a first prize recipient of the Theo Fennell Jewellery Award. Kelly has developed an impressive profile participating in leading exhibitions in the UK and internationally and has attracted substantial attention from the. Kelly has exhibited works in the acclaimed Telling Tales Exhibition at the V&A, Rising Stars exhibition, Design Miami and more recently at the Pallant House Gallery in the Contemporary Crossovers Exhibition.

‘Reverend Archibald Mcgregor’

“[…] one of the most original inventers of curios and jewellers, in the broadest sense, of her generation”. Theo Fennell

“Kelly is a true artist who has used her outstanding skills as a jeweller to create some disturbingly beautiful objects”. Janice Blackburn, Art and Design Curator

‘Professor Giles Dixon’

About Märta Mattsson

Märta Mattsson having only recently graduated from the RCA in 2010, and also a Theo Fennell first prize winner, has begun to create an inspiring international career with solo shows in Seoul and Tokyo and numerous group exhibitions in selected galleries in New York, Antwerp, Stockholm and London. Marta exhibited at Mint in the ‘Homeworks’ exhibition as part of London’s Design Festival last year.

‘Nest’‘Gold Glitter’

“Remember the name of RCA graduation jewellery student Märta Mattsson, because you’ll hear more about her in the future.” Carol Woolton, British Vogue

All animals, birds and insects have been treated with respect and care in creating this jewellery collection and died of natural or accidental consequences before being selected.

‘’Reversed Beauty’

Exhibition continues until May 31st. For more information on any of these peices, please call us on +44 207 225 2228 or email us at sales@mintshop.co.uk

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