Synopses & Reviews
Exquisitely crafted and unsurpassed in artistry, the imaginative designs of Peter Carl Fabergand#233; were dearly cherished by the sisters Queen Alexandra of Denmark and Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia who, through their shared patronage and positions in the British and Russian royal families, extended the Russian jeweller and goldsmithand#8217;s renown throughout Europeand#8217;s most fashionable homes.and#160;
Royal Fabergand#233; showcases one hundred of Fabergand#233;and#8217;s exquisite creationsand#8212;including examples that have never before been publishedand#8212;from the stunning collection amassed by six generations of the British royal family. Taking the forms of imperial Easter eggs, dazzling jewel-encrusted boxes, and diamond- and ruby-adorned hardstone carvings of pets, these outstanding examples of Fabergand#233;and#8217;s unrivaled craftsmanship were exchanged between members of the royal family for anniversaries and birthdays, as well as at Christmas. Together they bear witness to both the discerning tastes of their collectors and the close ties among the British, Russian, and Danish royal families.and#160;Lavishly illustrated with more than 150 stunning, full-color photographs,
Royal Fabergand#233; is the first publication exploring Fabergand#233;and#8217;s works from the standpoint of royal patronage and gift-giving. This volume makes extensive use of materials from both the Royal Archives and Fabergand#233;and#8217;s own accounts to detail one of the finest collections of Fabergand#233;and#8217;s work in existence.
Review
"Over the last two centuries, Britain's royal family has amassed a handsome collection of works by the legendary Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergand#233;. His name may be most closely associated with the Romanovs' famously ostentatious eggs, but
Royal Fabergand#233; demonstrates the full range of his creativity. . . . A suitably luxurious tribute to an opulent subject."and#8212;
Shelf AwarenessSynopsis
In 1953, the newly-ascended Elizabeth II was crowned Queen in a ceremony broadcast worldwide from Westminster Abbey. Her gown for the occasion, designed by royal couturier Norman Hartnell, bore the emblems of Great Britain and the Commonwealth on the rich white satin, and its intricate beadwork and elaborate embroidery took a team of dedicated dressmakers more than six months to create.and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;
Published on the sixtieth anniversary of the coronation, this new and extravagantly illustrated souvenir album commemorates the momentous occasion with newly commissioned photographs of the coronation gown, the Diamond Diademandmdash;also worn at the coronations of George IV and Queen Victoriaandmdash;and the many other jewels and ceremonial garments worn on that historic day, as well as items of pageantry. Many of these items are pictured together for the first time since the coronation, and they collectively tell the story of the people and places of this extraordinary event.and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;
A stunning souvenir of royal history, 1953: The Queenandrsquo;s Coronation will make the perfect gift foranyone with an interest in the pageantry at the heart of the British monarchy.
Synopsis
In 1907 King Edward VII and his consort, Queen Alexandra, commissioned Peter Carl Fabergand#233; to create miniature hardstone carvings of all the animals on their sprawling country estate at Sandringham in Norfolk. Domestic or wild, each creature was to be rendered in hardstone adorned with rose diamonds, emeralds, and rubies by the celebrated Russian goldsmith and jeweler, whose name was already synonymous the world over with opulence and grandeur.
Fabergand#233;and#8217;s Animals takes the reader on a dazzling tour of the Sandringham commissionand#8212;the largest collection of Fabergand#233;and#8217;s hardstone animal carvings in existence. The book brings the magic of this miniature menagerie to life with photographs, sketches, and other documentary materialand#8212;some never before seenand#8212;from both the Russian and royal archives. Along with a historical introduction to the royal patronage behind the commission, this stunning volume includes information on Fabergand#233;'s workshops and carvers, and the materials and special techniques they employed.
With more than 150 lavish full-color photographsand#8212;many newly commissionedand#8212;Fabergand#233;and#8217;s Animals is a resplendently beautiful book.
Synopsis
From jewelry of the highest quality and finest craftsmanship to gemstone-laden tiaras and diamond-encrusted swords, this accessible volume presents a visually stunning selection of diamonds from among the Royal Collectionandrsquo;s awe-inspiring array.Published to celebrate the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth IIandmdash;as well as a special exhibition planned for Buckingham Palace in 2012andmdash;Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration explores the undeniable appeal of diamonds and the many royal uses to which they have been applied throughout the centuries. These precious stones have long played a part in royal ceremonies and gift-giving, and the book features numerous photographsandmdash;many newly commissionedandmdash;including close-up views of each piece.and#160;Few private diamond collections surpass that of the Royal Collection, and this lavishly illustrated volume offers readers a glimpse of many one-of-a-kind examples.
About the Author
Caroline de Guitaut is Curator of Decorative Arts in the Royal Collection. She is the author of several books, including Royal Fabergandeacute;, also published by Royal Collection Publications.and#160;
Table of Contents
Introduction
Queen Victoriaandrsquo;s Small Diamond Crown
The Coronation Necklace
The Coronation Earrings
Queen Victoriaandrsquo;s Fringe Brooch
Queen Alexandraandrsquo;s Kokoshnik Tiara
Queen Alexandraandrsquo;s Coronation Fan
Queen Maryandrsquo;s Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara
The Delhi Durbar Tiara
Jaipur Sword and Scabbard
Table Snuff Box of Frederick the Great of Prussia
The Cullinan Diamond
and#160;and#160;and#160; Cullinan III and IV
and#160;and#160;and#160; Cullinan V
and#160;and#160;and#160; Cullinan VI and VIII
and#160;and#160;and#160; The Delhi Durbar Necklace and Cullinan VII Pendant
and#160;and#160;and#160; Cullinan IX
The Greville Peardrop Earrings
The Greville Chandelier Earrings
The Queenandrsquo;s South Africa Necklace and Bracelet
The Queenandrsquo;s Williamson Diamond Brooch
George IVandrsquo;s Diamond-hilted Sword
The Diamond Diadem
Glossary
Bibliography
Acknowledgements