Schlumberger Exhibition in Richmond

 

This lovely photo was at the end of the Schlumberger exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - but this lady is central to the exhibit in that she is not only the person who left her substantial collection to the museum but also was a significant patron and commissioner of Schlumberger's work.

 

The fact that the photograph was taken by the world famous 20th century photographer Henri Cartier Bresson tells you much about the position in society of Mrs Rachel Lambert Mellon.

 

Many of the pieces of jewellery in the collection are inspired by nature, including the sea.  

Some are very ornate creations in gold, diamonds and other precious stones.  Others, like this gold 'beach pebble' were designed to incorporate tiny fan shells from a beach owned by the Mellon family.

 

As well as jewellery, the collection includes many items created by Schlumberger at the request of Mrs Mellon for her home.

 

This gold flower with pot incorporated a terra-cotta pot from Mrs Mellon's greenhouse.

This very substantial centerpiece created in the 1960's/70's is the largest of a number of items featuring gold and lapis lazuli.

 

 

 

This rock crystal obelisk was spectacular under the lights.