© The Moscow Kremlin MuseumsDiscover more than 200 precious Russian heritage pieces at the V&A this November
Jewellery will delight in the V&A's forthcoming blockbuster exhibition, 'Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution'. Those familiar with the iconic brand will have admired its dazzlingly intricate Easter eggs, featuring jewels atop beautifully designed sparkling spheres. Opening this November, the display will chronicle the life of the jewellery house's legendary Russian goldsmith, Carl Fabergé.
© The Moscow Kremlin MuseumsRomanov Tercentenary Egg, Faberge?. Chief Workmaster Henrik Wigstrom, 1913
With a focus on the glitz and glamour of Edwardian high society, who flocked to the brand's little-known London boutique, the retrospective will showcase a selection of Fabergé's Imperial Easter eggs amongst 200 precious objects spread across three main rooms. The exhibition will explore the Anglo-Russian enterprise of Fabergé's relationships with some of the day's most influential sets: Royalty, aristocrats, American heiresses, exiled Russian Grand Dukes, Maharajas, financiers and socialites.
© The Moscow Kremlin MuseumsThe Moscow Kremlin Egg, Faberge?. Gold, silver, onyx, enamel, 1906
Highlights include a figurine portrait taken from life of the private bodyguard of the Dowager Empress, commissioned by Emperor Nicholas II; a sparkling aquamarine and diamond tiara (a token of love from Frederick Francis IV, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin to his bride Princess Alexandra of Hanover and Cumberland on their wedding day); and a solid gold plate service crafted by Fabergé himself.
© Royal Collection Trust © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021Caesar by Faberge?. Chalcedony, gold, enamel, rubies from about 1908
Royal photography in Fabergé frames will also take centre stage, along with gifts presented by Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna to their Royal British relatives, including a notebook given by the Tsar and Tsarina to Queen Victoria for Christmas in 1896.
The work of one of the house's best-known female designers, Alma Pihl, will also be showcased - including the scintillating 'ice-crystal' pendant made from rock crystal, diamonds and platinum.
© Courtesy of the McFerrin Foundation, Houston'Ice-crystal' pendant, Faberge?, designed by Alma Pihl
The ultimate showstopper comes in the form of a kaleidoscopic display of Imperial Eggs. On display will be the Moscow Kremlin Egg (inspired by the architecture of the Dormition Cathedral) and the Alexander Palace Egg, featuring watercolour portraits of the children of Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra, which will be sure to take your breath away. It will also be the first time that the Imperial Eggs will have left Moscow's Kremlin Museum for the UK - just one more reason for you to go.
'Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution' is at the Victoria & Albert Museum from 20 November .
© Royal Collection Trust © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021Basket of Flowers Egg, by Faberge?. Silver, parcel-gilt, gold, guilloche? enamel, diamonds, 1901