01 · TREE OF LIFE
Tree of Life — Egg No. 1
I wanted this first egg to bring together the richness of gemstones and goldwork with an invitation to look more closely. The closed tree becomes a sculptural surprise inside: roots, growth and a blue celestial world.
Read my essay · A World Within an Egg
The closed egg
The tree appears in gold relief against a blue celestial field. Lapis, malachite and agate join the dominant emerald green.
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The world within
The chosen photographic finish: a miniature tree, engraved gold rims and a blue celestial interior, with a visible hinge and lid support.
View full imageFOUR CLOSED-VIEW MACRO STUDIES
The attention within the surface
Four refined detail interpretations of the closed egg. These studies reinforce the care given to material character, settings, relief and finishing; small arrangements may differ from the main image.
Lapis crown · blue depth
I wanted the opaque blue and fine gold-coloured flecks to remain distinct from the transparent green stones. The narrow border brings the crown into the egg's curve.
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The exterior tree · line and relief
I brought the trunk, branches and individual leaf mounts into focus. Their texture and separation help the tree hold its presence within the surrounding jewels.
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Patterned stones · individual character
The malachite bands and agate layers give these settings different characters. I wanted the represented stones to retain their own patterns within the goldwork.
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The base · finishing the whole
The attention continues into the feet and plinth. I wanted the lower goldwork and stone settings to support the egg's presence rather than feel like an afterthought.
View full detailFOUR OPEN-VIEW MACRO STUDIES
A closer encounter with the world within
The miniature tree, its roots, the celestial canopy and the opening mechanism. Each detail study interprets the full design at closer range.
The miniature tree · sculptural depth
I wanted branches to reach into different depths, with leaves turned towards and away from the light. The individual settings help the small tree feel sculptural.
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The roots · a point of connection
I focused on the taper of the roots and the shadows where they meet the blue ground. That contact gives the miniature tree a stronger sense of belonging inside the egg.
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The canopy · a protected sky
The blue canopy holds a small celestial world above the tree. I wanted its gold lines and stars to reward a closer look while preserving space around the central surprise.
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The hinge · care in the mechanism
The hinge and support make the opening more believable. I wanted their connections and engraving to carry the same care as the visible ornament; this remains a visual concept, not a tested mechanism.
View full detailExplore the represented stones
WATCH & LISTEN · SIX VIDEOS & SIX PODCASTS
Beyond the image: Fabergé and the makers
Explore the historical eggs, contemporary workshops and the stories held within precious objects. These independently produced programmes accompany my visual tribute; contemporary workshop films are distinguished from accounts of the original Imperial eggs.
Six films · objects and making
VIDEO 1 · Euronews
Fabergé’s exquisite eggs go on display at V&A
An introduction to the historical eggs through the V&A’s 2021 exhibition. Begin with the objects themselves, their richness and their presence.
Visit the original video source ↗Watch on YouTube ↗VIDEO 2 · L’ÉCOLE School of Jewelry Arts
On Enamel in Europe: The Fabergé Eggs
A closer look at enamel and the expertise that gives precious objects their colour and finish.
Visit the original video source ↗Watch on YouTube ↗VIDEO 3 · Fabergé
The Journey of a Fabergé Egg
A contemporary egg pendant moves from a painted design into the workshop: gold forming, engine turning, enamelling, setting and inspection.
Visit the original video source ↗Watch on YouTube ↗VIDEO 4 · Fabergé
The Making of the Celtic Egg
Workmaster Marcus Mohr and his team bring a contemporary egg objet to life, with engraved gold, green enamel and an emerald surprise.
Visit the original video source ↗VIDEO 5 · Fabergé
The Making of the Iconic Game of Thrones Egg · Part Two
Workmaster Paul Jones and specialist craftspeople translate an ambitious design into metal, enamel and carefully assembled parts.
Visit the original video source ↗Watch on YouTube ↗VIDEO 6 · Sotheby’s
The Flair and Craftsmanship of Russian Works of Art
A wider view of Russian decorative arts, bringing Fabergé eggs into conversation with intricate enamels and other skilled work.
Visit the original video source ↗Watch on YouTube ↗Six podcasts · history, discovery and judgement
PODCAST 1 · 65 minutes
Fabergé: Romance to Revolution at the V&A · Episode One
The Jewellerian · Josie Goodbody with Kieran McCarthy
A substantial specialist conversation about Fabergé, the Imperial family and the stories surrounding the celebrated jewellery house.
Listen at the original source ↗PODCAST 2 · 36 minutes
The Discovery of the Missing Imperial Egg
The Jewellerian · Josie Goodbody with Kieran McCarthy
McCarthy recounts the rediscovery of the Third Imperial Easter Egg: a remarkable encounter between historical research and an overlooked object.
Listen at the original source ↗PODCAST 3 · 35 minutes
Fabergé and the Romanovs
History Gems · Nicola Tallis with Gareth Russell
The eggs in their historical setting, exploring the Romanovs and the stories behind their extraordinary Easter gifts.
Listen at the original source ↗PODCAST 4
In the Studio · The Celtic Egg
BBC World Service · Felicity Finch
A workshop programme following the commissioning of the Celtic Egg and the traditional enamelling skills kept alive by its workmaster and team.
Listen at the original source ↗PODCAST 5 · 11 minutes
The Imperial Coronation Egg and Coach
The Specialist · Helen Culver Smith / Sotheby’s
A focused account of the Coronation Egg, its intricate miniature coach and the remarkable journey of the object.
Listen at the original source ↗PODCAST 6 · 27 minutes
The Fake That Is or Isn’t
Antiques Roadshow Detours · GBH
An investigation into a disputed blue enamel egg. Expert judgement, provenance and evidence reveal why authenticity requires close attention.
Listen at the original source ↗Continue through the collection
THE WORK & ITS MATERIAL FUTURE
Artist-directed, AI-assisted digital artwork. Gold and gemstones are simulated; these are not photographs of a manufactured egg. The closed and open views are companion interpretations, with small differences in stone placement. An independent tribute to fine jewellery craftsmanship, with no Fabergé affiliation or endorsement.
Fuji Pearl prints and freestanding polished acrylic blocks are planned for a small numbered collection. Physical proofing, the final edition size and format specifications are still to be confirmed.
Enquire about the collection