Think of Fabergé and glorious visions of jewelled enamel Easter eggs spring to mind. These magnificent objets d’art, however, represent only a fraction of the house’s artistic creation.
Bringing together around 200 objects, Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution tells the story of Carl Fabergé, the master Russian goldsmith, and his internationally recognised firm, while also exploring the Anglo-Russian relationship which saw the opening of a branch in London in 1903.
It was Fabergé’s trademark ability to transform everyday objects into opulent works of art that made the House so famous across Europe: royalty, aristocrats, heiresses, exiled Russian Grand Dukes, socialites and financiers flocked there to purchase gifts of unparalleled luxury. Many of these are now on display for the first time in the UK.
Highlights include the recently rediscovered Third Imperial Egg of 1887, found by a scrap dealer in 2011; and the rock crystal Peacock Egg of 1907-8, shown on public display for the first time in over a decade. Also worthy of note are a silver model portrait of Persimmon, King Edward VII’s most loved and successful racehorse; a notebook given by Emperor Nicholas II and his wife to Queen Victoria for Christmas in 1896; and a sparkling aquamarine and diamond tiara. Prepare to be spellbound.
