The Pursuit of Pattern
Gallery 3 | 21 January – 29 June 2019
The sumptuous decoration of architectural interiors and the many varied objects that inhabited them was at the heart of creating lavish 18th and 19th century homes in Europe and Britain. David Roche had a great affinity for this style of decorating and the exhibition The Pursuit of Pattern explores the fashion for inlaid surface patterns on furniture and objets d’art as well as jewellery.
The exhibition reawakens the passion for, and beauty of, the near-lost techniques of working in marquetry, pietra dure, hardstones, micromosaics and more. Enjoy exquisite marquetry furniture in exotic timbers and superb glass mosaic pictures laid into table tops achieved by the most highly-skilled craftsmen working in Europe. An appreciation for pattern and semi-precious materials was similarly employed in the creation of micromosaic jewellery and small boxes as souvenirs of the Italian Grand Tour. The ‘taste’ for inlaid pattern was insatiable and the techniques rose to the challenge of creating pieces which now, in the 21st century, are viewed as splendid curiosities of lost arts.
Drawn from the extensive holdings of The David Roche Collection as well as private collections in Australia, The Pursuit of Pattern is a rare occasion to consider the virtues of pattern and the handmade.
Tickets: Adult $7, Concession $5, Children under 5 free
(Ticket covers entry to The Pursuit of Pattern, Régence & Rococo and Neoclassic: Reimagining Empire)