This September Alex Cooper is pleased to present an important work by artist Tone Vigeland (1938 - 2024). With its individually hand hammered blackened iron nails and patterned links it is a tour de force necklace of wearable art. It exhibits the fluidity characteristic of each piece fastidiously hand crafted by the artist, one who never penned a manifesto or followed a movement. She stands alone with her unmistakable influences from nature, Nordic history and every day ordinary objects, as a significant artist and pioneer in the sphere of wearable art jewelry.
Lot 229, A Tone Vigeland Feather & Mesh Statement Necklace
A study in contradictions, this necklace appears at once to be like armor, yet is fluid and comfortable to wear with its silky mesh. Its feathers evoking thoughts of a talisman.
Globally lauded, Vigeland is held in a multitude of private collections and museums including the Victoria & Albert Museum, London and MOMA, New York. Such is her renown the once named American Craft Museum, rebranded in 2002 as the Museum of Arts and Design, organized a trip to Norway in the 1980s, including a visit to Tone Vigeland’s atelier. It was on that sojourn this necklace was purchased directly from the artist by a collector who was involved with the then American Craft Museum, for over 40 years.
Lot 228, A Pair of Tone Vigeland "Sling" Earrings
Predating her unique works of wearable art, Tone Vigeland worked for PLUS in Fredrikstad, where she designed her iconic “Sling” earrings in 1958. Here, surrounded by a collective of artists, Tone produced Scandinavian Modern jewelry intended for the commercial market, characterized by unadorned, minimal, and elegant brightly polished form.
More accessible, but no less collectible these pieces are worn tucked around the ear. Classic and entirely modern, Vigeland consistently refutes categorization.
Her work is continually sought after by serious collectors and collections alike. Rarely appearing on the fair market, this an ideal opportunity to acquire a Tone Vigeland piece for display or wear.
Christine Apostolou
Jewelry Specialist