The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) design store has collaborated with local artists on several exclusive ranges.
The latest collections include a ceramics range from Ballarat artist Ruby Pilven as well as new items from English designer Simon Hasan for his Wrap and Slice ranges and Melbourne designer Kate Rohde’s jewellery and vases.
“The NGV design store collaborates with local artists to create new ranges inspired by the NGV collection and exhibition program,” explains Toby Newell, manager, retail operations and merchandise, NGV.
Pilven created an exclusive collection of porcelain ceramics combining muted pastels with striking golds and inspired by the colours and aesthetic of the Hermitage Museum and its collection. She drew special inspiration from Catherine the Great’s dining service―a sky blue, white and gold full dining setting that she had made as a present for an ex-boyfriend. The set was rumoured to be the most expensive piece of decorative arts sold in the 18th century.
“The retail buying team worked with Victorian ceramicist Ruby Pilven to create an exclusive ceramics collection inspired by works in the exhibition Masterpieces from the Hermitage: The Legacy of Catherine the Great,” says Newell about his latest creative collaboration.
“The design of this collection is a contemporary take on royal ceremonial wares referencing colours and patterns featured in the Cameo Service originally commissioned by Catherine the Great. The collection is exclusive to the NGV design store and we are thrilled to stock this unique and contemporary collection.”
Pilven drew on her printmaking background to create layers of pattern and colour and has recently started using an ancient Japanese pottery technique called Nerikomi, hand-building with coloured clay. Each piece is dried for two weeks and fired three times.
The new collection includes vases, serving dishes and small dishes.
By Marion Gerritsen
