ADORNMENTS EXHIBITION NOW COMPLETED

“ADORNMENTS: Venetian and Bohemian Trade Beads” has been extended until TUESDAY NEW YEAR’S EVE at 3pm. Free entry.  The exhibition features two private collections of rare glass beads, plus over 50 necklaces and earrings for sale.

Adornments was opened by best-selling author Tracy Chevalier (‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’) who discussed her beautiful new book ‘The Glassmaker’. Tracy’s book traces the fortunes of a Muranese glassmaker family and the fascinating role of women and trade beads across 500 years of Venetian history. It is published by The Borough Press at £20. Copies are available from The Design Gallery and from The East Grinstead Bookshop.

On display is a huge 7 layer, Chevron glass neckpiece dating to Venice circa 1600, possibly made by Maria Barovier herself. It had been worn by tribal leaders for centuries and was found by a bead trader in West Africa.

Other beads on show include: Chevron (also known as Rosetta beads) from circa 1860s; Lampwork fancy beads such as romantic “wedding cakes,” “Ambassador”  and a “Spotted” rosary. There are many examples of Venetian Millefiori glass beads, including those by Ercole Moretti. Also featured are Bohemian/Czech necklaces made exclusively for the African market and seed bead accessories.

01959 561234 E: chrissie@thedesigngallery.com

Location: The Design Gallery, Unit 1a Starborough Farm, Starborough Road, Marsh Green, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5RB. Five minutes’ drive from Lingfield; 15 minutes from East Grinstead and Edenbridge