Cartier: Jeweller of Genius. Lecture by Judy Rudoe

Organised by The Arts Society Teme Valley

This lecture, given by the author of Cartier 1900-1939, the catalogue of the British Museum’s exhibition shown in 1997, which she also organised, reveals not only the genius behind Cartier’s luxurious jewels, but also the firm’s celebrity clientele, from the royal heads of Europe to Indian maharajahs, American heiresses and stars of film and stage. In the course of preparing the exhibition catalogue, the speaker had unparalled access to the Cartier firm’s private archive: you will hear about the histories of famous jewels, you will see stunning historic displays with fashions to match, and understand why Cartier is unrivalled in their brilliance of conception and craftsmanship.

Judy Rudoe is an Honorary Research Fellow at the British Museum, where she worked as a Senior Curator for nearly 50 years (1974-2023), specialising in jewellery, and in 19th-20th century decorative arts. Author of Cartier 1900-1939 (BM 1997) and co-author of Jewellery in the Age of Victoria: a mirror to the world, with Charlotte Gere (2010) which was awarded the 2011 William Berger Prize for British Art History. She is a Freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and President of the Society of Jewellery Historians (2024-2026).

Attend as a Visitor:

You can attend our lectures for just £8 – pay on the door.  Should you subsequently become a member your first lecture fee will be refunded.

Become A Member:

Our annual membership of £50 or £95 per couple gives you:

• Free Access to 9 Lectures per year
• Exploration Days, Visits and Social Events (extra cost)
• Volunteering opportunites in preservation and conservation projects.
• A quarterly glossy magazine from The Arts Society
• Information on current and local upcoming cultural and artistic events

For membership please see the Teme valley Arts Society website here.