Leuchtenberg Diamond Tiara,1900 Briolette, pear-shaped and old-cut diamonds, gold, platinum Arthur and Dorothy McFerrin Collection © C & M Photographers

The Art League is gearing up for a day trip! On August 18th, we’re taking registered guests to Richmond to see “Faberge’ Revealed.” at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and then to Petersburg, Virginia to see the “Tiffany Windows” in Old Blandford Church. 

Imperial Peter the Great Easter Egg, 1903 Egg: gold, platinum, diamonds, rubies, enamel, sapphire, watercolor, ivory, rock crystal Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. Bequest of Lillian Thomas Pratt. Photo: Katherine Wetzel

Star Frame, 1896 Gold, enamel, pearls, glass, ivory Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.  Bequest of Lillian Thomas Pratt. Photo: Katherine Wetzel

The Faberge’ exhibit, which opens July 9 at the VMFA in Richmond, will feature the largest collection of Faberge’ on public view in the United States, totaling more than 500 objects.

Imperial Napoleonic Egg, 1912 Gold, enamel, diamonds, platinum, ivory velvet, silk Matilda Geddings Gray Foundation Collection

The Russian jeweler Karl Faberge’, considered to be one of the most famous jewelers of all time, crafted objects for the families of the last two tsars of Russia and for most of Europe’s nobility. Faberge’s creations are crafted from gold, platinum, diamonds and rubies, as well as other precious metals and gemstones. He is best known for his Imperial Easter eggs. VMFA’s collection is the largest public collection of Faberge’ in this country and includes five Russian Imperial Easter eggs. Only 50 were ever created by this most talented artist. The exhibit installation will allow for a 360-degree view of each Imperial egg. Other objects on exhibit, include the Empress Josephine Tiara, the Lilies of the Valley Basket, enameled picture frames and clocks, gold cigarette cases and cane tops, ruby studded brooches and boxes and hardstone animals and flowers in rock crystal vases.





Following lunch, at the museum’s Best Café (on your own) and time to visit the book/gift shop, you will continue on to Petersburg, VA to view the Tiffany Windows of the Old Blandford Church. Jimmy Powers, internationally known stained glass artist and Art League instructor, will be your guide. Originally built in 1735, restoration began in 1901 to turn this little church into a Confederate Memorial Chapel. Louis Comfort Tiffany was commissioned to design 15 memorial stained glass windows, one for each of the 15 Confederate States to honor its soldiers. The first four magnificent windows were unveiled in 1904.




Trip includes: coffee and breakfast snacks prior to departure, entrance with audio guide tour to Faberge’ show, time to visit and explore the museum gift shop, entrance to Old Blandford Church with guide, and round-trip bus transportation.

Day trip price: $85 for members and benefactors. $95 for non-members. 

For additional information, or reservations, please contact Margaret Cerutti at [email protected] 703-683-1780 x 13