SHOWcabinet: Shaun Leane

When
10 Aug10 Oct 2014
Installation View

SHOWstudio launched the first major exhibition dedicated to fine artisan jeweller Shaun Leane. The show offered an unprecedented opportunity to delve into the psyche of Britain's leading avant-garde jewellery house and debuted nine highly imaginative bespoke creations that each represented a key motif from their collections.

The gallery transformed into a chamber of curiosities with each piece of jewellery being accompanied by an artwork, fashion piece or natural history specimen that has served as an inspiration to the house.

The show featured a finely crafted single diamond tusk earring as an ode to Leane's very first creation that was debuted on Alexander McQueen's catwalk in 1994. Also presented alongside, was a vibrant gem set butterfly brooch inspired by an original Damien Hirst painting, an elaborate pair of feather hoop earrings with a Philip Treacy hat, and some stunning emerald earrings accompanied by a raw, natural emerald named the 'Medusa'. An artwork by Korean light sculptor Ahn Chulhyun inspired a new aurora ring and an antique kimono from the archive of Daphne Guinness was the impetus for a set of statement cherry blossom cuffs.

Highlighting Leane's unparalleled ability to combine exquisite metalwork with innovative design, the exhibition served as a visual spectacle of artisan jewellery.

Artists include Shaun Leane, Su Blackwell, Ahn Chulhyun, Luke Dickinson, Damien Hirst, Martino Nicoletti, Philip Treacy

Special thanks to Daphne Guinness, Gemfields, James Caudwell and London Taxidermy.

Previous Exhibitions

Inside/Out

26 June — 14 August 2010
The use of abject imagery in art and fashion can be traced throughout history. The Dadaists were of course enthralled with transgression and taboo but since well before the Renaissance, painters expressed a fascination with blood.

Nick Knight & Alexander McQueen

19 March — 05 June 2015
SHOWstudio presents an exhibition of Nick Knight’s fine art prints. Curated by Carrie Scott to celebrate Knight's dynamic collaborations with Alexander McQueen, and to coincide with the opening of Savage Beauty at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Headdress

12 March — 03 April 2010
Examining the modern sculptural presence of this time-honored trend, the SHOWstudio Shop brought together a variety of theatrical headgear by five contemporary milliners.
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