"Amber – the Baltic Jewel" exhibition on display in London

The works of jewellery masters Andris Lauders, Guntis Lauders, Jānis Vilks, Māris Auniņš, Māris Šustiņš and Valdis Brože will be displayed alongside large-scale photos of amber by Andris Zēgners and tapestries woven by Iveta Vecenāne using amber thread.

"To mark the Latvian EU Council Presidency, we are delighted to reveal the story of amber at this exhibition by demonstrating unique jewellery created by Latvian artists, excellent photography and art installations, and the innovative amber thread created by Inga Ļašenko, a researcher at Riga Technical University (RTU). We hope that visitors will appreciate the importance of this magnificent sun stone," comments Ivonna Poplanska, the organiser of the exhibition.

Andris Zēgners' series of photographs explore the structure of amber and reveal this material on an entirely new visual level. Large-format photographs reflect the variety of colours, shapes and textures of this ancient gemstone formed by pine resin that dropped into the sea many millions of years ago. The exhibition also displays the amber thread created by RTU scientist Inga Ļašenko. It is no accident that special attention is paid to amber — its full potential has not yet been explored, but its medical properties are already proven. Amber thread is also used in the textile works of art by Iveta Vecenāne included in this exhibition.

Foto: Andris Zēgners

The exhibition scenography was created by the internationally recognised fashion designer brand MAREUNROL'S (named after Mārīte Mastiņa and Rolands Pēterkops). In evoking the antiquity and historical significance of amber, its focal point is the ant – a representative of the age when dinosaurs lived on Earth. In this exhibition the paths of amber and ants constantly intersect as happened millions of years ago when ants became trapped forever in resin.

The Amber – the Baltic Jewel exhibition will take place from 27 May to 26 June at the Goldsmiths' Centre, 42 Britton Street, Clerkenwell, London. The Centre is open to visitors from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00. Entrance is free of charge.

The exhibition is organised by the Secretariat of the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council and the Latvian Embassy in the UK in collaboration with the PUTTI Art Gallery and the London-based jewellery designer Ivonna Poplanska. It is part of the cultural programme of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU which has modernity, uniqueness and excellence as its core values.