Of Pride And Patrimony

Van Cleef & Arpels’ recent exhibition A Journey Through the Poetry of Time included significant patrimonial pieces, some of which continue to inspire the maison. Allyson Klass talks to LISE MACDONALD, director of patrimony and exhibitions, about what it takes to curate the right artefacts.

- Lise MacDonald

Showcasing 198 high jewellery pieces and watches, A Journey Through the Poetry of Time celebrated some of Van Cleef & Arpels’ most emblematic sources of inspiration. Held at the Sands Expo, Marina Bay Sands in February, the immersive nine-day exhibition took members of the public on a journey through an elaborate set-up of Paris’ romantic streets and famous landmarks. Ranging from signature complicated timepieces to lavish high jewellery models, the maison’s watches took center stage in four main themes: love stories, namely the Pont des Amoureux collection, ballerinas, and fairies, Poetic Astronomy, as well as Enchanting Nature.

Displayed prominently at the front of the exhibition were 39 pieces from the Parisian jeweller’s patrimonial collection. From unique sterling silver cigarette cases with secret watches to quirky good-luck rings crafted in wood and precious gemstones to the emblematic Cadenas watch, the selection took the patrimony department more than two years to curate.

Lise Macdonald, Van Cleef & Arpels’ director of patrimony and exhibitions, explains the tedious yet fulfilling process of selecting showpieces from the maison’s expansive archive that best embody its history and beloved universes.

Why was it important for Van Cleef & Arpels to hold this exhibition in Singapore?

The maison has always been devoted to education and the imparting of information, which are all a part of its mission. It’s definitely a major part of the patrimonial department’s mission to conserve, curate, research, share and transmit to the audience and future generations as well. This includes the maison’s unique craftsmanship, its historical sources of inspiration, and themes, which make up its DNA.