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Art Historian Unearths Lost Victorian Jewels
3 Apr
Summary
- Charlotte Gere tracked down William Burges's lost jewels in Spain.
- She was instrumental in cataloging a large jewellery gift.
- Her work inspired a generation to study 19th-century art.
Art historian Charlotte Gere, who passed away recently at 88, left an indelible mark on the study of 19th-century art and design. Her groundbreaking work, including Victorian Jewellery Design (1972), captivated audiences and became essential reading for art enthusiasts and scholars alike. Gere possessed a remarkable ability to connect objects, interiors, and fashion within their historical and social contexts.
Her career highlights include tracking down and identifying the lost jewellery of gothic revival architect William Burges, a quest that began in 1968. This pursuit, which led her to Spain, sparked her deep dive into Victorian jewellery. Gere also played a crucial role at the British Museum, cataloguing a significant 19th-century jewellery collection gifted by Anne Hull Grundy.
Gere's influence extended to exhibitions and publications on various aspects of Victorian design, from architectural elements to fairy paintings and women collectors. She was recognized with an OBE in 2003 and elected a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 2005. Her generosity in sharing knowledge mentored many aspiring curators and historians.
