Legends across culture, fashion, and the art world know all about that Cartier drip – from Andy Warhol with his Tank watch, to Jean Cocteau and his Trinity ring, and Tina Turner with her Love bracelet. It’s a brand name that denotes timelessness, enduring beauty and craftsmanship, and iconography that stretches beyond the confines of jewellery. Now, fans, admirers, and culture-lovers alike can explore the glittering history and dazzling contemporary presence of Cartier at a new exhibition.

Studio 7 by Cartier is taking over the ground floor Saatchi Gallery in London for the end of July and August, with a show that explores the Maison’s watch and jewellery creations, as well as the icons who have worn Cartier – you can RSVP for free here. The portrait-led exhibition celebrates the Maison’s seven most iconic pieces of watches and jewellery: Santos, Tank, Trinity, Love, Juste Un Clou, Panthère, and Ballon Bleu. 

“I have always been fascinated by all the wonderful memories evoked by Cartier creations and shared not only by our friends of the Maison, but also by our loyal clients,” Laurent Feniou, Managing Director of Cartier UK, says. “Whether passed down from generation to generation or a symbolic marker of a precious moment, we are thrilled to pay tribute to these unique stories in such an iconic London establishment that is Saatchi Gallery.” 

The story of the luxury brand will be told in striking black and white photography across four rooms in the gallery space – ‘LEGENDS’ in Gallery 1 exhibits historical, black and white portraits of icons in their Cartier pieces, including Warhol, Cocteau, and Turner. The space also includes some of the earliest versions of the watches and jewellry on exhibition from The Cartier Collection that compound its most standout pieces, such as one of the very first Juste Un Clou bracelet in yellow gold from Cartier New York in 1971, and a Cartier Paris Santos wristwatch, the pioneering horological creation from 1916.

In Gallery 2, ‘INSPIRATION’ highlights contemporary portraiture with modern ambassadors and friends of the Maison wearing Cartier from across its seven most iconic collections, each bringing their own personal stories and meanings linked to their pieces. There’s a dramatic, immersive floor-to-ceiling projection of the photographs and moving images shot by British photographer Mary McCartney. The portraits include Emma Corrin, David Oyelowo OBE and Vanessa Kirby, boxer Ramla Ali, milliner Stephen Jones OBE, singer and songwriter Celeste, and photographer Mary McCartney. Each portrait is accompanied by a short quote highlighting the person’s personal connection to Cartier.

‘STUDIO’ in Gallery 3 takes us to Cartier Studio, where Cartier lovers can explore and experiment with a custom-built photography studio. Here, people’s own stories and attachments to their Cartier creation are captured, while having their portrait taken by emerging photographers who were mentored by Mary McCartney.

“I am delighted to be working with Cartier, photographing their iconic watch and jewellery collections, worn by such accomplished creatives. Mentoring young, upcoming photographers and offering an exciting opportunity to work for the Maison alongside me is what makes this project particularly special,” McCartney said.

The final space of Gallery 4 displays ‘ENCOUNTERS’, a dynamic part of the show where portraits and personal stories captured in the Cartier Studio are brought to life. Once you exit the final gallery space, you can grab a print of your portrait captured in the studio, as a lovely souvenir from Studio 7 by Cartier.

Studio 7 by Cartier is on display at Saatchi Gallery in London, from Friday July 23 to Sunday August 8 2021. The exhibition is free but pre-booking is required