Visit time: 10 - 20 minutes
In 2010, the Design Museum Den Bosch acquired a significant portion of the estate of designer Emmy van Leersum. To mark 10 years of acquisitions by the Rembrandt Association, we are exhibiting a small selection of work by Gijs Bakker, her partner until her untimely death in 1984, alongside several designs by Emmy van Leersum
In 2010, Design Museum Den Bosch acquired a collection of 90 pieces of jewellery by Emmy van Leersum (1930-1984), partly with the support of the Rembrandt Association. In addition to our museum, many other museums in the Netherlands also received support from this association to further enrich their collections. To mark the tenth anniversary of the Rembrandt Association, the programme “Als kunst je lief is” (If you love art) is taking place. A programme full of exhibitions and presentations spread across the country. Emmy, now Gijs, is proud to be part of this.
The Rembrandt Association enabled the Design Museum Den Bosch to purchase virtually the entire oeuvre of Emmy van Leersum, one of the most important post-war Dutch jewellery designers. Due to the (museum) quality, historical significance and size of this collection, this was an excellent opportunity. In addition to rare early jewellery, the purchase also includes numerous prototypes, experiments and key pieces. The accompanying documentation enables us to investigate and understand the designer’s motivations. The presentation shows the public a selection of Emmy’s wide-ranging work.
In addition to Emmy’s work, work by Gijs Bakker is also on display. Gijs was Emmy van Leersum’s partner until her death in 1984. Together they formed a duo that revolutionised jewellery design in the 1960s with their industrial-looking, abstract jewellery. After Emmy’s death, Gijs developed into a versatile and internationally renowned designer. Design Museum Den Bosch closely follows the development of his ever-expanding oeuvre.
