Misshapes: The Making of Tatty Devine is the first solo show about Tatty Devine exploring entrepreneurship, innovative British making, and the power of creativity. The exhibition features over 100 pieces from the past 20 years, from the early leather cuffs and piano belts to giant two-metre versions of their ‘greatest hits’ including a lobster, their magpies and a huge banana, alongside sketchbooks, photos, flyers, and two newly commissioned films.
Tatty Devine’s founders Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine set up a market stall in Spitalfields Market in the late 1990s. Together they challenged jewellery conventions and in 2001 a trip to New York led them to discover laser cut acrylic. At that point, a disruptive technology laser cutting unleashed a whole new set of creative possibilities and ideas.
On their return to the UK, they invested in a laser cutting machine, going on to create personality-packed jewellery much loved and still culturally relevant 20 years on. Their DIY, unknowingly anarchic approach resonated with industry and public who were hungry for something different from the commercialised, mass-produced products on offer.
Turning throwaway disposable objects like scraps of leather and guitar plectrums into jewellery not only landed the brand in Vogue magazine but also in the hearts of loyal fans all over the world. Creativity, self-expression and hand-making are at the heart of their work. Tatty Devine’s statement jewellery is constantly ahead of the curve—able to tell stories and generate conversation. Collaborations have allowed the duo to become markers of the time they were made in: Tatty Devine have worked closely with musicians, artists, designers and brands from Gilbert and George to Belle and Sebastian—all people they feel closely connected to.
Exhibition Opens
28th February – 17th March (Early closure due to COVID 19)
Private View
28th February, time TBC
A Tatty Devine and Crafts Council touring exhibition.
This touring exhibition launched at the Lethaby Gallery at Central Saint Martins, London, and is now on a nationwide tour. See below for venue details and dates:
Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham, Wales (10th July – 13th September 2020)
Hove Museum and Art Gallery, Brighton and Hove (3rd October 2020 – 26th January 2021)
New Brewery Arts, Cirencester, Cotswolds (21th June – 10th September 2021)