“Bvlgari - The Story, The Dream”

LOT-ART had the pleasure to visit the exhibition: “Bvlgari - The Story, The Dream” at Palazzo Venezia and Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome which was opened to the public from 26 June until 3 November 2019. It showcases the evolution of the company from a small family-owned business to a global luxury brand. The exhibition was created by Edith Gabrielli, director of the Polo Museale del Lazio, in collaboration with Bulgari. On display are emblematic jewels from the Bvlgari Heritage Collection, including pieces formerly in the collections of iconic movie stars from the legendary Dolce Vita epoch.

"A unique opportunity to rediscover the history and creativity of Bvlgari as a Made in Italy icon, enhanced by the splendid surroundings of Castel Sant’Angelo and Palazzo Venezia. The talent, passion and ability to capture the zeitgeist of the founder, Sotirio Bulgari, and of the following generations, marked a successful path and the history of jewellery itself”

Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari Group.

The two-part exhibition retraces the history of the Maison through some jewels, photographs and film clips from the archives, as well as newspaper articles that illustrate the social trends during the Bulgari’s past, from the 19th century to the end of the 20th century.

Left: Sotirio Bulgari, 1884; Right: Piazza di Spagna and Via Condotti, Rome, ca.1890

At Palazzo Venezia are showcased archival documents about the founder Sotirio Bulgari, talented Greek silversmith who established the company in 1884.
The first store was on Via Sistina, one of the streets most frequented by foreign tourists, and were these “foreigners”, as Sotirio says in his Memories, the first clients that brought success to the young man. After that, new shops were opened on Via Condotti and in other touristic destinations.

Left: Front of the first store opened by Sotirio Bulgari in via Condotti, 1894; Right: Front of the Bulgari shop at 10 via Condotti, 1905

In the following decades, Sotirio enriched and diversified his product range. The “Old Curiosity Shop” (the shop at 10 Via Condotti) was also a shop for antiques, beautiful pieces in old silver and jewels: they reflected the demand of a refined, international clientele.

After the Second World War, when Sotirio’s sons Giorgio and Costantino joined him in the business, they suggested that the family company could focus on high jewellery in order to grow, taking advantage of the fruitful legacy of silversmithing. In 1934 the brothers opened a new shop at no.10 after radical renovations.

Left: Trombino ring in platinum with diamonds, 1932. Formerly in the collection of Leonilde Bulgari; Necklace/Tiara combination in platinum with diamonds, ca.1935; Earrings in platinum with diamonds, ca.1930; Right: Tremblant brooch in platinum with sapphires and diamonds, ca.1937; Necklace and earrings in platinum with sapphires and diamonds, 1955

The jewellery was inspired by Greco-Roman Classicism and the Italian Renaissance. Since 1960s Giorgio’s sons acquired important gemstones and created exclusive luxury pieces. All these precious stones and items were from India.

Left: Necklace in gold with multicolour sapphires and diamonds, 2005; Right: Parentesi bangle and earrings in gold with diamonds, ca.1982; Parentesi necklace in gold with diamonds, ca.1990; Parentesi earrings in gold with diamonds, ca.1982

Pieces on display include jewels with motifs of ancient gold coins, as well as modular creations from the 1980s and 90s, highlighting the brand's evolution.

Left: from the right: Evening dress and sequined bolero Italian haute couture atelier, 1930s; Evening dress in gold lamé with jacket Gabrielle Chanel, 1936-38; Satin evening dresses with crystals and sequins embroidery, Norman Hartnell, ca.1935. The four dresses are from Private Collection of Cecilia Matteucci Lavarini; Right: Different evening dresses by different Brands, from 1950 to 1962

The ‘Schläppi 2200’ mannequins collection is a quintessential example of "Made In Italy" showcasing a splendid narrative of savoir-faire, creativity and innovation. To emphasise the jewellery and the garments, the mannequins are made in matt black finish and gold.

The exhibition also includes 80 haute couture dresses from the private collection of Cecilia Matteucci Lavarini, collector of haute couture and Oriental pieces. All designed by the 20th century’s most celebrated designers, offering an elegant counterpoint to the style, illustrating the taste and trends of the different periods.

Left: from the left: Evening dress in embroidered silk decorated with shells, Pierre Cardin, 1970s; Marabou coat, Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, ca.1971; Evening coat in lamé brocade with mousseline tie neck, Yves Saint Laurent, ca.1970. All dresses are from Private collection of Cecilia Matteucci Lavarini; Right: Emerald and Diamond Necklace with removable pendant/brooch, from the collection of Elizabeth Taylor. Bulgari Heritage Collection

Lavarini's couture, featured in the exhibition, includes pieces by Jean Patou, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Paco Rabanne, Schiaparelli, Balmain, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Gianni Versace, Valentino and more.

The "Hollywood and the Tiber" section features jewels owned or worn by legendary actresses such as Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, Ingrid Bergman, Anna Magnani and Audrey Hepburn. In 1962 Elizabeth Taylor stated that “undeniably one of the biggest advantages to filming Cleopatra in Rome was Bvlgari's shop”. It was at this time that Taylor and her then-married co-star, Richard Burton started their love affair. Burton went on to purchase Taylor pieces which she would wear for the rest of her life.

In 2011 at the Christie’s auction ‘The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor’, Bulgari re-acquired eight pieces from Taylor's collection.

SELECTED LOTS BY BULGARI

Left:A Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Bulgari; Right: Sapphire and Diamond Necklace, Bulgari

A Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Bulgari
One cushion-shaped sapphire, 19.92 carats. Pear-shaped diamonds in the surround, totalling approximately 9.00 carats.18 karat yellow gold. Signed BVLGARI. Size 3¼ (19.92-carat Sapphire). For sale at Phillips, Hong Kong. See Sale Date & Price Estimate...

Sapphire and Diamond Necklace, Bulgari
Sapphire cabochons, vari-cut diamonds, platinum and gold, 46.0 cm, signed Bvlgari, blue Bulgari case. For sale at Christie's, Hong Kong. See Sale Date & Price Estimate...

Left: Bvlgari Bulgari Astrale 18k Gold Diamond Color Stone Large Pendant Necklace; Righ: Bulgari "PARENTESI" Yellow Gold Lady's Watch

Bvlgari Bulgari Astrale 18k Gold Diamond Color Stone Large Pendant Necklace
18k Yellow Gold. Length:from 18.5", 17.5", 16.5". Weight:62.3 grams. Width: Chain 4mm. Pendant:2.5" x 1.75". Stones:171 round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity E colour total weight approx. 5ct. Blue Topazes, Amethysts, Green Tourmalines, Peridots, Citrine Quartz, Rhodolite Garnets. Hallmarks: Bvlgari 750 Made in Italy. For sale at Jasper52, USA. See Sale Date & Price Estimate...

Bulgari "PARENTESI" Yellow Gold Lady's Watch
18kt yellow gold case, diamond pavè shape dial, signed "Bulgari", 18kt yellow gold spring bracelet, quartz movement. Dim. mm 15x18. For sale at Pandolfini Casa d'Aste, Italy. See Sale Date & Price Estimate...

Find more BVLGARI pieces here »

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