Diamond Empress (Lot 22)
Sponsor: Berry's Jewellers • Artist: Anna Kompaniets
About the lion I felt really inspired by Queen Victoria - the juxtaposition of her feline gentleness, the romantic story of her and Prince Albert offset by her power as the Queen and Empress of India. For my lion design I wanted to create an intimate portrait of Queen Victoria using symbols and colours from her life and Windsor.I hid queen Victoria's crown above the nose of the lion. The lion has blue eyes, like the Queen, a crystal symbolising the Koh-i-noor diamond, like an Indian tikka jewel adorns the forehead. The lion has a heart which dissolves into 9 streams, like Victoria's 9 children; the streams form a river, like the river Thames in Windsor. Victoria's wedding shoes, pearls, orange blossom (as in her hair on her wedding) and violets - her favourite flowers are some of the elements I used to create the storyline.
About the sponsor An independent, family-owned jewellers, we are known for the superior quality of our jewellery and attention to detail. With particular expertise in fine watches and diamonds, we stock the world's most exclusive brands as well as a range of diamond and dress jewellery, wedding & engagement rings and giftware. Berry’s of Windsor are delighted to sponsor a lion because we take PRIDE in being part of Windsor’s history and it’s ROAR-YAL heritage
About the artist After completing my degree in Fine Art at Goldsmiths University I worked for and with some of the most talented artists and designers in UK including the late Alexander McQueen, Andrew Logan, Vivienne Westwood, Hew Locke among others. I've been on the forefront of bridging the gap between fashion and art, and recycling consumer waste in creative ways. For the above I've received ArtsCouncil funding, shown my work at Tate Britain, The Globe Theatre,Turner Contemporary, Maritime Museum, etc. I'm inspired by history and people in it, contemporary culture and the intricate beauty of nature. My work is meticulously detailed and expresses my love of colour and texture in a maximalist way. Interestingly, I assisted fellow lion artist Andrew Logan to create a pink elephant for the Elephant Parade in London in 2010.
Where? Outside Berry's Jewellers, 41 Peascod Street, Windsor SL4 1EA. Viewing times 0930-1700 (off view on Sundays)