Maison Buccellati, the historic high jewellery House and today part of the Richemont Group, present ‘The Prince of Goldsmiths, Rediscovering the Classics’, a major retrospective exhibition that rediscovers its heritage, history and craftsmanship. Hosted in Venice in the spaces of Oficine 800 on the Giudecca Canal from 18 April to 18 June 2024, created and produced by Balich Wonder Studio and curated by Alba Cappellieri for the jewellery and silverware selection, the exhibition retraces the distinctive themes of Buccellati’s creations, highlighting the mastery and preciousness of the ‘classic’. ‘The Prince of Goldsmiths’ is how Gabriele d’Annunzio, one of the most influential Italian writers and poets of the 20th century, described Mario Buccellati in 1936, attesting to his mastery in creating timeless masterpieces.

From its birth in 1919 to the present day, Buccellati products have been distinguished by their ability to unite the dimensions of time – past, present and future – in creations that express the best traditional goldsmithing techniques with an elegance that is always contemporary. Buccellati, today as yesterday, rediscovers the value of the ‘classic’, meant as a taste capable of transcending temporal boundaries, conquering eternity through beauty and craftsmanship. The theme of the exhibition is therefore dedicated to the rediscovery of the classics, considering ‘classics’ all those objects which are capable, in every moment, to transmit universal feelings of closeness, astonishment, wonder and passion. In this sense, Buccellati lives tradition as a living, pulsating matter, imbued with the passion that man has infused into his artefacts over time.

“The classics offer the pleasure of rediscovery, evoking worlds of beauty, elegance, art and nature beyond time. Reinterpreting them means reinterpreting millennial traditions, materials and forms with an always upto-date look. This is the aim of the exhibition, which becomes for us an even more precious moment as it is hosted in the evocative setting of Venice. The classics are a bridge thrown between the past and the future and are also evidence of an original style to be perpetuated in times to come,” says Andrea Buccellati.

The exhibition illustrates jewellery and silverware creations, significant events and suggestions that have shaped the history of the Maison. Buccellati has chosen to set this important event in Venice, which has always been one of the most celebrated symbols of gold and jewellery tradition. Venice, with its aptitude for celebrating preciousness in multiple forms, proves to be the ideal setting to host this retrospective, inaugurated to coincide with the opening of the Venice Art Biennale, which shares with Buccellati the values of a rich artistic tradition.

The exhibition is divided into four distinct themes:

1. The “Generations” of the Buccellati family, who over the years, both today and in the past, have taken turns in guiding the artistic direction of the Maison, symbolically represented by the butterfly icon;
2. Elegant gallantries and precious accessories in silver and gold that have embodied the sense of elegance over time;
3. The silver masterpieces, emblems of the Buccellati style, known for the mastery used to give them the perfect shape and proportions, by using the ancient techniques of embossing and chiseling;
4. finally, the icons of Buccellati jewellery displayed as authentic works of art, creating an evocative parallel with classical myths.

The exhibition retraces the history of the Maison by focusing on the craftsmanship of its most famous creations, including the bracelet from the Macri collection, from its origin designed by Mario to its evolution by Andrea Buccellati, known for its characteristic engraving; the tulle pendant from the latest Mosaico high jewellery collection designed by Andrea; and finally the silver objects inspired by nature and organic shapes.

April 18th – June 18th 2024, Venice
OFICINE 800
Fondamenta S. Biagio, 800, 30133 Venice VE

www.buccellati.com