Stage jewellery
Treasures on display at the Palais Garnier.
They shine, they impress, they dazzle. The stage jewels ofParis Operadesigned specifically to be worn there, contribute as much to the brilliance of the institution as to that of its performers.
The Opéra National de Paris unveils its "Stage Jewels
Yet their materials are anything but precious: brass gives the illusion of gold, coloured glass the appearance of gems, and rhinestones the sparkle of diamonds. But this doesn't stop them being made with remarkable care and expertise.
And therein lies the paradox of these ornaments: thanks to the art of illusion, through the false, they aim to speak the truth, the very foundation of theatre.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these jewels also have a narrative function. From the 19th century onwards, they became key plot elements or visual clues essential to understanding the works. Depending on the period and the trend, their design has oscillated between historical accuracy, geographical precision and a pure quest for beauty.
Since the Second Empire, the Paris Opera's collection of stage jewellery, held by the Bibliothèque nationale de France, has grown to include almost 4,000 pieces. This unique and ever-expanding selection embodies the magic of stage shows.
The jewels presented here bear witness to their indispensable role in the world of theatre and opera.For this meticulous project, our teams created the various sets and all the signage for the exhibition.
Expectations
For this unique exhibition, we brought our expertise in graphic printing to bear and also designed the signage to enhance this fabulous collection.
Our work was guided by two key priorities: to highlight the jewels while respecting the unique atmosphere of the Palais Garnier.
Colour calibration: We carried out meticulous work to produce these monochrome decors, which required careful colour calibration to reproduce the exact Pantone shades supplied by the client. This precise adjustment ensured perfect harmony with the murals and architectural elements of the Palais, so that each visual blended in perfectly with the prestigious setting of the exhibition.
Printing techniques: Canvas, self-adhesive lettering and rigid panels were produced using UV printing to ensure an exceptional, long-lasting finish in keeping with the spirit of the exhibition.
This exhibition, devised byDeltaèdre workshop highlights the history and elegance of the jewels worn on the great stages, which adorn the great productions of the Paris Opera. We are delighted to have contributed to this project, which has enabled us to showcase the treasures of this unique artistic heritage.
Don't miss this exhibition, on show until 28 March!
