The Josephine

Medium: UK manufactured wire, Fergusons Irish Linen, French satin, gold bullion (Hand & Lock, UK ), 18 ct gold beads, white sequins, seventeen (17) different natural real gemstones sourced from Gemmologists, and a Master Gemstone Cutter all from United Kingdom.

Gemstones (17): Amazonite; Amethyst; Black Diamond; Carnelian; Strawberry Quartz; Emerald; Fluorite; Pearls; Hessonite; Lapis Lazuli; Larimar; Opal; Peridot; Ruby; Sapphire; Turquoise; White Quartz

Artist: Lili Marjorie Gualberto

Provenance: Courtesy of the Artist, UK

Estimate: Open for valuation/ Unique Work

Dimensions: Approx. (Left) 15x10 cm ; and (Right)16x10 cm

Exhibition History: Newry Library, Northern Ireland

Curatorial Statement:

The Josephine is a meticulously handcrafted heirloom hair ornament by artist Lili Marjorie H. Gualberto, conceived as a singular work of wearable art and completed over a period of four (4) years. Its development involved thirty design iterations to refine both its construction and the symbolic selection of each gemstone.

The work is constructed using fine UK-manufactured copper wire, authentic Fergusons Irish Linen, sumptuous French satin from Pongees of London, gold bullion sourced from Hand & Lock—the historic Royal Warrant-holding embroidery house—and 18 ct gold beads. It is adorned with a carefully curated composition of natural gemstones, each selected for its symbolic resonance and visual significance.

The piece stands as a tribute to Marie 'Josephine' Leopoldine Bracken, born on 9 August 1876 in British Hong Kong. Through its materials and symbolism, the work reflects the interconnected histories of Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom that shaped her life. It acknowledges her support of the Philippine struggle for independence and invites renewed engagement with her contribution to Philippine history. Conceived as both a work of high jewellery and a contemporary artwork and original craftmanship, The Josephine explores themes of identity, cultural memory, and historical remembrance. While the work is grounded in historical research and symbolic materiality, certain elements have been intentionally left open to interpretation, inviting viewers to engage in their own dialogue with the artwork.