ADORNMENTS EXHIBITION EXTENDED TO 28th DECEMBER

“ADORNMENTS: Venetian and Bohemian Trade Beads” has been extended until SATURDAY 28th DECEMBER and is open Wednesdays to Saturdays 10am-5pm. 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