The “meaning” of the exhibition is in the design of 200 objects chosen by Sottsass and displayed in showcases as specially designed temples. Crowns, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, as well as accessories for smokers, for writing, watches, beautiful objects – but also precious – including the famous grandfather clock Mystérieuse Eléphant created for the maharajah de Nawanagar, the necklace Tutti i Frutti which belonged to Daisy Fellowes and the panther bracelet of the Duchess of Windsor. “Of an object in general I tend to ignore everything except the design”, said Sottsass about the selection criteria for the exhibition. “I’m not interested in the ‘social’ importance of the pieces or their material worth, my choice is based on colours and design quality”, he clarified.
The jewellery on display belongs to the extensive collection (1200 pieces) of the “Collection Art of Cartier”, shown in the past in museums such as the Hermitage in St Petersburg, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the British Museum in London. Completing the collection is a video which documents the craftsmanship quality of the manufacture of jewellery, enlargements of preliminary drawings and a portrait gallery of famous women with their Cartier jewellery.
14.6.2002-15.9.2002
Cartier Design viewed by Ettore Sottsass
Vitra Design Museum Berlin
Kopenhagener Strasse 58, Berlino
T +49 30 47377712
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http://www.design-museum.de/
e-mail: info-berlin@design-museum.de
