In this study morning Andrew shows how the period between1890 and 1959 was probably the most tumultuous and extraordinary in world history, with political and world events having a profound and lasting effect, not only how people lived, but also on fashion and jewellery design.
He guides you through the various decades while illustrating the events and people who created today’s modern world, together with showing how Hollywood had such an impact on that period, focusing on the extraordinary jewels and fashion that was created.
Andrew shows how the Great Depression and the Second World war had such an extraordinary impact on fashion and jewellery design with the rise of cinema and Hollywood. From the likes of Marlene Dietrich to Grace Kelly, he guides you through the various screen goddesses, how they were portrayed and what they gave to such dazzling effect. He also shows that with the development of advertising, labour saving devices and leisure time, people had more opportunities to enjoy themselves and spend money on the finer things in life, as well as how the political events of the time influenced design and what was worn.
Andrew Prince
Andrew has had a passion for jewellery since he was a small child at the age of nine when his mother took him to the Princely Magnificence exhibition at the V&A showing Renaissance jewels dating from 1500-1630. This was a revelation, dazzled by the splendour and opulence of pieces he decided this was the only thing he wanted to do. In 1987 just before leaving school he went to Geneva to view the astonishing Sotheby’s auction of the Duchess of Windsors jewellery. For the first time he held pieces created by some of the world’s greatest jewellers, using only the finest stones set in designs of outstanding quality.
Later he joined the renowned contemporary jeweller Elizabeth Cage who’s designs were to have a great influence on him. It was at this point he started designing and making jewellery more seriously. His pieces caught the eye of Isabella Blow of Vogue magazine who encouraged him to do more and commissioned pieces to wear to the 1992 opening of Gianni Versace’s flagship store in Bond Street. Andrew then moved to Harrods Fine Jewellery Room where his first collection was commissioned, followed by a Russian inspired collection which was profiled by The London Times.
In 2002 the V&A commissioned a collection of jewels to accompany the Tiaras, Past and Present exhibition and which resulted in film work for him.
2005 he was asked to make tiaras and jewellery for Mrs Henderson Presents.
2009 pieces for The Young Victoria
2012 he was asked to supply a large collection of jewellery for the third and forth series of Downton Abbey.
Wanting to branch out and share his knowledge Andrew has become a popular lecturer on both jewellery and fashion delivering lectures at V&A, Christies Auction House and The Jewellery Historians Society as well as institutions in America.
This Study Morning is not just about jewellery
Lecture 1: 10.00- 11.00 Covers the period 1890 to 1929
11.00- 11.30 Coffee
Lecture 2: 11.30- 12.30 Covers the period 1927 to 1959
Venue: Reigate Community Centre
Cost: £25 per member
Please contact Judith Wade on judithwade58@outlook.com or phone 07771 811791 for all the details and to book.