A rebellious Princess, Mysterious Opals, The House of Guinness Grand Duchess Vladimir – an eclectic mix of illustrated talks are coming your way in October and November.
Doors open 11am – the Talk starts 11.30am £47.00 per person *
Tea and Coffee on arrival Complimentary Glass of Fizz and sandwich lunch after the talk
OCTOBER
Saturday 24th, Thursday 29th or Friday 30th
Diamonds and Decorum:
How Princess Margaret rocked the Royal Jewels
Join us for an enchanting morning as we explore the glittering, rebellious world of Princess Margaret. As the mid-century’s ultimate royal style icon, Margaret tore up the traditional royal rulebook, pairing avant-garde fashion with spectacular, historic gemstones. From the dramatic story behind her famous Poltimore Tiara to her love for bold, contemporary designers, this illustrated talk reveals how she balanced royal duty with a fierce personal style. Discover the stories, the scandals, and the breathtaking craftsmanship behind the jewellery collection that defined an era.
OCTOBER
Saturday 10th or Friday 23rd
The Fire Within – The Mysteries and Magic of Opals
This talk will delve into the mesmerizing, kaleidoscopic world of the opal. Once valued above diamonds by the Romans, yet later feared as a stone of misfortune, the opal possesses a dramatic history unlike any other gem. This illustrated talk explores the breathtaking natural science behind its play of colour, the master craftsmen who shape its delicate fire, and the high-society icons – from Queen Victoria to Empress Josephine – who defied superstition to wear them. Discover the romance, the rivalries, and the pure opulence of nature’s most mysterious gemstone.
NOVEMBER
Friday 13th, Thursday 26th or Saturday 28th
Heirlooms and High Society:
The Sparkling Legacy of the House of Guinness
Step into the glittering, dramatic world of the legendary Guinness brewing dynasty. Beyond the empire of stout lies a breath-taking treasury of high-society jewels worn by some of the 20th century’s most stylish and rebellious women. This illustrated talk delves into the incredible craftsmanship of their private collections, from rare Art Deco Cartier timepieces to record-breaking Himalayan sapphires. We will weave together the exquisite artistry of the master jewellers with the juicy, scandalous stories of the “Golden Guinness Girls” who used their family fortunes to conquer international society.
NOVEMBER
Thursday 12th, Saturday 14th or Friday 27th
Rivalry at the Winter Palace:
Grand Duchess Vladimir andHerHigh Society Jewels
Grand Duchess Vladimir—the undisputed party queen of the Romanov court was renowned for hosting St. Petersburg’s most decadent masquerade balls, her private jewellery collection was so magnificent it routinely outshone the Tsarina herself. This illustrated talk explores the sublime craftsmanship of the imperial court jewellers, the high-society rivalries of old Russia, and the breathtaking true story of how her legendary diamonds were smuggled out of a revolution-torn palace in plain laundry bags. Discover the dramatic legacy of the jewels that survived an empire, including the iconic tiara that conquered the British Royal Family.
Lectures are individually priced at £47* and include tea or coffee on arrival and a complimentary glass of fizz and sandwich lunch after the Talk.
The Gallery doors will open between 11am and 11.15am and the Talk will commence at 11.30am
* Terms & Conditions: Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Amendments to bookings once confirmed will incur an administration fee of £7.00.