An exhibition celebrating 20 years of a personality-packed jewellery brand

We are excited to share with you details of our next exhibition, Misshapes: The Making of Tatty Devine.

On Friday 24th September from 6pm, we welcome all members of the public to take a first look at the exhibition. The exhibition then continues from 25th September until 13th November 2021.

This exhibition is the first about the design duo, Harriet Vine and Rosie Wolfenden. We are privileged to have Harriet attend the launch and she will give a free talk about Tatty Devine’s practice as part of the evening’s events. This will be an unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the UK’s most celebrated designers.

The next day, Harriet will also be leading a jewellery making workshop. Details on what to expect from the workshop how to book a place can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/171245699497  

Ahead of the curve

Tatty Devine’s statement jewellery is always ahead of the curve. Their jewellery tells stories and generates conversation. This summer Misshapes: The making of Tatty Devine, will consider the power of creativity and innovative British design and making, alongside the glamour and humour that Tatty Devine are known for.

The exhibition is about the design duo, Harriet Vine and Rosie Wolfenden, who met at Chelsea College of Art and founded Tatty Devine when they graduated in 1999. They soon started trading from a market stall in east London and developed a signature style that saw them lauded in Vogue and stocked in Harvey Nichols and Whistles within the year. They discovered laser-cut acrylic on a trip to New York in 2001. On their return, they invested in a laser-cutting machine, rarely used in jewellery at that time, which then gave them a creative freedom to push the boundaries. Something they continue to do to this day. 

Playful personality-packed jewellery

In the early years, Tatty Devine’s DIY, unknowingly anarchic approach resonated with an industry and public who were hungry for something different from the commercialised, mass-produced products on offer. Turning disposable objects like guitar plectrums and cake decorations into playful personality-packed jewellery resonated with people and led to fans all over the world, as well as collaborations with musicians, artists and fashion designers. 

20 years after pioneering attention-grabbing laser cut jewellery, all their pieces are still made by hand in the UK.  They remain culturally relevant as they continue to design bold pieces for campaigns close to their hearts, such as Fawcett Society, Comic Relief and Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, and they are passionate advocates for the power of creativity. 

Misshapes will feature 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 huge lobster, parrot and dinosaur, alongside sketchbooks, ephemera and two new films. Also newer pieces that show how Tatty Devine continues to embrace technology and cultural shifts. 

Cllr Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety said: “We are delighted to welcome another major Crafts Council touring exhibition to Wrexham. Tatty Devine have built up a huge following all over the country over the last 20 years and are now among the UK’s most celebrated designers, however you won’t need to be familiar with their story to enjoy this exhibition. It’s a playful and colourful collection of quirky and iconic creations, over 100 in all, so there will be plenty to see and enjoy for all ages.”