PITTSBURGH, PA.- The
Frick Art & Historical Center announces that in fall 2011 it will present the first major exhibition of Fabergé objects to be shown in Pittsburgh.
FabergeAtTheFrick.org, a new website that provides information about this special exhibition and related museum-wide offerings, launches today.
Opening October 23, 2011 and running through January 15, 2012, Fabergé: The Hodges Family Collection features more than 100 objects made by the world renowned House of Fabergé, goldsmith and jeweler to the Russian court. To complement this exhibition, the Frick will display select items from its collection of fine 18th- and 19th-century Russian decorative arts, including an enameled Russian tea set made by A.I. Kuzmichev, purchased by Henry Clay Frick through Tiffany & Co. in 1894, and Russian silver purchased by Helen Clay Frick. The exhibition will be part of a unique site-wide Fabergé experience at the Frick that will include a special Fabergé Shop inspired by the opulent and glittering world of Fabergé and Russian decorative and folk art, as well as turn-of-the-20th-century Russian inspired ambience at The Café at the Frick, extended hours of operation, and much more. Fabergé: The Hodges Family Collection is organized by the New Orleans Museum of Art. The Pittsburgh presentation is made possible through the generous support of First National Bank of Pennsylvania and the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
Says Frick Art & Historical Center Director Bill Bodine, The Frick is proud to present Pittsburghs first major exhibition of Fabergé objects this fall. Decorative arts are a very important component of our collection, and this exhibition provides us with the exciting opportunity to share a selection of rarely seen pieces while examining and enjoying the brilliance of one of the worlds finest manufacturers of luxury objects. Fabergé represents the high quality craftsmanship and ingenuity that flourished around the turn of the 20th centurythe time the Frick family resided at Clayton.
As part of the site-wide celebration during the run of Fabergé: The Hodges Family Collection, a special installation at Clayton, All That Glitters: Luxury in the Gilded Age, will focus on decorative luxury objects in the collection. Artfully using the immaculately restored late-19th century home of the Henry Clay Frick family as an exhibition area, examples of items manufactured by Tiffany; Gorham; Bailey, Banks and Biddle; and others, will highlight famous Gilded Age manufacturers of luxury goods. The public tour, which will be offered October 23, 2011January 15, 2012, will incorporate these makers and objects into the larger story of Gilded Age life.
In addition, as part of the Fricks site-wide focus on fine, well-designed luxury objects, three automobiles designed by renowned motor car manufacturer Rolls Royce will be exhibited at the Car and Carriage Museum.
The Frick will also offer a wide and diverse schedule of programs focusing on the history, craftsmanship and legacy of the House of Fabergé and the fascinating period in Russian history during which the exhibition pieces were created. These programs range from lectures and gallery talks for adults and families to hands-on activities for children and an Act 48 workshop for teachers.
Visitors to the Frick will have the opportunity to view the exhibition and take part in Fabergé related activities during extended hours of operation. The entire site will remain open until 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings beginning October 27, 2011.