Surrealist Jewels 101

About

This Autumn, Louisa Guinness Gallery is proud to present Surrealist Jewels 101, an upcoming jewellery exhibition curated and commissioned by Louisa Guinness. Marking the 101st anniversary of the movement, this show will explore surrealism in jewellery, showcasing unique pieces that blur the line between art, imagination, and adornment.

Opening on 25th September 2025 and running through to 7th November 2025, the exhibition includes rare loans, new acquisitions and commissions, many of which are being shown publicly for the first time. Surrealist Jewels 101 will also introduce a selection of lesser-known designers and makers, personally selected by Louisa Guinness. This reinforces the gallery’s long-standing commitment to supporting emerging and independent talent by presenting their work to collectors, curators and institutions. Placing new voices alongside established names is a fundamental part of the gallery’s ethos, a curatorial approach that creates unexpected dialogues between generations of artists. The exhibition oers the opportunity to explore intricate, one-of-a-kind jewellery that challenges our perception of reality and logic while transporting visitors into a world of surreal imagination.

Pulling from the gallery’s expansive collection of artist-made jewellery, the show presents rarely seen historic works by some of the most visionary artists of the 20th century - including Salvador Dalí, Man Ray, Claude Lalanne, Niki de Saint Phalle, Arman, César, and Max Ernst, alongside daring contemporary jewellery designers and makers.

Surrealist Jewels 101 celebrates a fusion of high craftsmanship and otherworldly creativity, where precious metals and gemstones are transformed into objects that evoke a sense of curiosity, humour, and wonder. “This isn’t just a jewellery show about surrealism, it’s a surrealist experience,” says Louisa Guinness. “I’ve spent years collecting and curating artist-made jewellery, and I know when a piece pushes boundaries. I chose these works because they each capture something surreal, something unforgettable. Whether it’s a master or a new voice, the artists in this show are all speaking surrealism - that’s what matters”

Surrealist Jewels 101 continues the gallery’s long-standing mission to champion artist-made jewellery as a distinct and imaginative form. Since opening in 2003 with the pioneering exhibition Past and Present: Jewellery by 20th Century Artists, Louisa Guinness Gallery has become a leading force in the creation, curation, and collecting of wearable art.

With an immersive installation and a vibrant mix of works both historic and newly created, Surrealist Jewels 101 invites viewers to reimagine what jewellery can be, not just ornament, but intimate sculpture; not just design, but dream.