Swarovski Crystal Palace Launches the ‘The Art of Light and Crystal’

To mark the tenth anniversary of one of the most extravagant and opulent design projects of its time, Swarovski Crystal Palace has launched ‘The Art of Light and Crystal,’ a beautifully illustrated coffee table book, which tells the unique story of the project.

The project was instigated in 2002 by Nadja Swarovski, the great great granddaughter of Daniel Swarovski, the man who invented the crystal cutting machines from which the family’s famed wealth sprung. Since then the Swarovski Crystal Palace project has aimed to create interpretations of light and design using cut crystal.

Whilst celebrating and reinterpreting the chandelier, Swarovski Crystal Palace has broken barriers, played with the rules, and opened a new chapter in the art, and design. Oh, and each installation is utterly stunning with no expensive spared.

The book tells the tale of Nadja Swarovski’s vision for crystal, the inception of Swarovski Crystal Palace, and looks back at the last 10 years of Swarovski collaborations. It also traces the groundbreaking ethos that defines Swarovski, following the 115-year history of this remarkable family, and contextualizing its continuing legacy.

With works seen on display at Salone del Mobile, Design Miami, MoMA and the Barbican, the Swarovski Crystal Palace publication features stunning highlights from the past decade.

Highlights include Ron Arad who challenged convention with the spiral-shaped “Lolita” chandelier (2004) driven by computer-controlled LEDs to display text messages sent via SMS technology.

Gaetano Pesce’s “Mediterraneo” chandelier (2006) has the appearance of a deep-sea creature, which moves as if breathing, emitting a sweet scent.

Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s “Light Sock” hanging mesh sacks are filled at the base with crystals in which a single halogen light bulb is buried (2007).

Paul Cocksedge’s “Veil” (2008) is a crystal screen containing an image of the Mona Lisa that is only visible when the piece is viewed in a mirror.

Swarovski Crystal Palace ‘The Art of Light and Crystal’ book retails at $95/ £70

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