The latest episode of Nine by Design had me falling in love with artist Ann Carrington. This giant piece, Queen of Dalston, made purely of pearly buttons is gorgeous & the kind of art I could stare at all day. The best part of the Novogratz's visit to Ann's studio was when her son, Isaac, sweetly described his Mom's process for designing: first she projects the picture onto canvas, sketches over it and then sews on all the buttons. This queen has had her fair share of fame - the piece was commissioned for the Queen of England's 80th birthday in 2006.
History lesson? Beyond the obvious dazzle, a cultural reference belongs to the work. Ann calls Queen an homage to The Pearlies, who are an "alternative royalty" of London. Read more about this charitable, costumed group here.
Ann's Pearly Crown Jewels of England hangs in Gwyneth Paltrow's East Hampton home.
Featured in House and Garden November 2007.
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