Yesterday marked the start of a wonderful cultural event - Museums at Night, which celebrates brilliant heritage of not only our dazzling capital, but many cities and towns across the UK. For this event, museums, galleries and heritage sites are invited to throw open their doors after hours to allow culture buffs to soak up the atmosphere and discover historical treasures in new and unexpected ways (think a calligraphy workshop at National Gallery and much more). To celebrate Museum's at Night we have picked three amazing historical and cultural hubs in London that have a special meaning to us. Each of these magnificent cultural treasuries is not only frequented by our team, but hosts an exclusive selection of Ottoman Hands jewellery designed and handmade specifically for them.
British Museum.
What?
Located just a short walk from London's iconic Covent Garden, this magnificent museum will take your breath away at first sight. The majestic Roman Revival style building, created by the architect Sir Robert Smirke in 1823, has become the first public museum in the world. Now over 6 million people a year visit this historical treasury to discover its outstanding collection lovingly selected by its 10 curatorial and research departments.
Why?
We love the vast collection of treasures at the British Museum. From mesmerising Persian artefacts to bejewelled treasures of newly opened Waddeson gallery. There so many historical objects beautifully curated under one roof - a perfect place for a spot of live drawing and inspirational musings. Some of our personal favourite treasuries include the Chinese Jade room, the curiously stunning Enlightment gallery and the brilliant Waddeson Bequest space.
The Ottoman Hands Collection:
We have created a beautiful jewellery range for the British Museum, inspired by antique gems and artefacts. Stunning coin elements of necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets have been cast from ancient Roman treasures. The jewellery is set with opulent semi-precious stones like Rubies, Labradorites, Jade and other gems we have hand-picked for this exclusive collection.
What?
This magnificent museum, located in one of the most recognisable London locations - Trafalgar Square - houses a stunning selection of paintings in the Western European style. First masterpieces of now world famous collection came from private selections and included Italian, Dutch and Flemish masters. The current collection carries paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries, with many remarkable and precious pieces by the likes of Titian, Leonardo da Vinci, van Dyck, Cézanne and many others.
Why?
With over 2000 stunning masterpieces from 7 centuries on display, it's hard to name just one reason why we love this gallery. Walking it's majestic halls we feel completely overwhelmed with the beauty and diversity of artistic expression. Some of our favourite paintings are Vincent Van Gogh’s 'Sun Flowers', William Turner's 'Fighting Temeraire' and Henri Rousseau's 'Tiger in a Tropical Storm’. For your next visit, start your explorative journey from Sainsbury Wing and don't forget to visit the latest jewel in National Gallery's crown - Michelangelo and Sebastian exhibition.
The Ottoman Hands Collection
Every piece in the gorgeous collection, created for National Gallery, holds semi-precious stones in the shades and hues, which can be found in Michelangelo and Sebastiano magnificent paintings. From heavenly blues of Lapis Lazuli (this stone has actually been used by Michelangelo to create ultramarine paint) to soft ethereal pinks of Rose Quartz and iridescent greys of Labradorite. The shapes are full of classic elegance, with just a touch of oh-so-Renaissance expression (think hand-woven moulds of Doloma pendants and graceful movement of chain tassel earrings).
What?
The world's leading museum of art and design, V&A is a beautiful home to the amazing collection of objects and artefacts spanning over 5,000 years. It's collection includes some of the most mesmerising and precious examples of architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture, painting, jewellery, glass, ceramics, books and so much more. The museum was first established in 1852 and moved to its picturesque current site in South Kensington in 1857. Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of the grand new building and, to mark the occasion, the gallery has been named after the monarch and her beloved spouse - Prince Albert, who enthusiastically supported the creation of the museum.
Why?
We love browsing this beautiful museum gallery after gallery (in fact we have spent the whole day here many times). From energetic architectural objects of Art Deco to V&A's infamous collection of fashion and textiles there is so much to discover. The museum also houses one of the biggest jewellery collections in the world - a source of endless inspiration and admiration, and our personal little heaven.
The Ottoman Hands Collection
Ottoman Hands has created a beautifully diverse collection of treasures for the V&A. We love wondrous floral earrings hand-set with semi-precious stone beads, statement necklaces, inspired by antique finds and striking cocktail rings. So many things to covet and admire...
To discover our beautiful current collection press the button below and get inspired ...
