Cartier: The Exhibition at National Gallery Australia

The unmissable Cartier: The Exhibition opens 30 March exclusively at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. The exhibition features more than 300 examples of masterpieces from the Cartier Collection and renowned institutions, charting the prestigious Paris jewellery house throughout the 20th century.

Central to the NGA’s Cartier exhibition is a group of beautiful items from the Royal collection, including a selection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s personal favourites. Even The Queen’s Halo tiara which she leant to Kate Middleton for her wedding to HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, will be on display.

‘Jewels of spectacular calibre and size, amongst the most important in the world, magnificently set by Cartier’s renowned craftsmen will be exhibited only in Canberra,’ said Gerard Vaughan, NGA Director. ‘It is a collection of immeasurable quality and value, the likes of which have never been seen in this country before, and may never be again. Years of research and gentle persuasion will deliver an unforgettable experience.’

The exclusive exhibition showcases outstanding necklaces, brooches, tiaras, watches and ornaments, alongside archival drawings, photographs and ephemera. Co-curated by Margaret Young-Sánchez, Denver Art Museum and the NGA the exhibition draws on the pieces collected by Cartier, alongside unexpected additions to the Australian show from remarkable sources such as museums, institutions and private collectors, like the Victoria & Albert Museum.

‘Cartier represents the poetic amalgamation of art, passion and style. Jewellery is a language of love, and this exhibition, organized by the NGA, represents a gift of love to the Australian people,’ said Pierre Rainero, Image, Style and Heritage Director, Cartier.

The exhibition will provide a window into the intimate world of Cartier’s famous international clients, including royalty, aristocrats and global socialites. Cartier’s legacy is synonymous with clients like the Duchess of Windsor, Princess Grace of Monaco, Mexican film star María Félix , and the indomitable queen of jewellery, Elizabeth Taylor. The greatest Australian celebrity at the turn of the 20th century, Dame Nellie Melba—a committed Cartier client—is also a feature of the exhibition.

Art Deco swept the world in the 1920s and Cartier’s designs led the way with its innovative style, such as the Duchess of Windsor’s trend-setting Flamingo brooch (1940) and original ‘It Girl’ Daisy Fellowes’ Tutti Frutti necklace (1936). Their spectacular designs took cues from sources around the world: including East Asia, India and Ancient Egypt.

During the Age of Glamour of 1930s to 1960s, the social, political and historic events demanded a new approach from the agile Cartier designers. That creativity continued with seminal femme fatale María Félix’s flamboyant Crocodile necklace (1975).

The exhibition will also include many items that belonged to an array of European monarchs who were amongst Cartier’s most valued clients, including Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco whose 10.48-carat diamond engagement ring (1956), from the Collection of the Princely Palace of Monaco, was made by Cartier Paris.

Cartier is credited with creating the modern wristwatch made popular by some of the world’s leading men. A variety of the Maison Cartier’s iconic watch designs are shown in the context of other ingenious items for men.

Insight into the inner workings of these intricate, ground-breaking designs is also explored through the workshop space.

The NGA exhibition demonstrates Cartier’s flexibility as it continues to be the purveyor of innovation and style, building a contemporary bridge from its iconic past into the future. The exhibition is designed by internationally-renowned scenographer Nathalie Crinière.

Cartier: The Exhibition opens 30 March until 22 July. Tickets available from Ticketek. Exhibition organised in association with the Denver Art Museum.