Breon O'Casey's Celestial Brooch Highlighted by Kitty Lees
For the month of June, curator Kitty Lees presents a notable vintage piece by artist Breon O'Casey, named Sun, Moon and Stars, crafted around 1991. The brooch combines bronze, silver, and gold to depict a miniature cosmos against textured silver. O'Casey, a notable figure in the St Ives art community since the late 1950s, drew inspiration from the night sky and collaborated with artists such as Terry Frost and Barbara Hepworth. His work is known for its rhythmic triadic arrangements, which reflect his belief that while designs may be familiar, they can be innovatively reinterpreted.
Key facts
- Kitty Lees selected Breon O'Casey's brooch for June.
- The brooch is titled Sun, Moon and Stars, c.1991.
- Materials include bronze, silver, and gold on hand-beaten silver.
- O'Casey lived and worked in St Ives, Cornwall.
- He moved to St Ives in the late 1950s.
- He was an assistant to Denis Mitchell and later Barbara Hepworth.
- His jewellery was inspired by Alexander Calder's drawings.
- O'Casey often used groupings of three in his work.
Entities
Artists
- Breon O'Casey
- Kitty Lees
- Terry Frost
- Denis Mitchell
- Barbara Hepworth
- Alexander Calder
Locations
- St Ives
- Cornwall