Monica R. Brewster Cameo Brooch - 40th Anniversary Commission

Monica R. Brewster Cameo Brooch - 40th Anniversary Commission

Octavia Cook layers jewellery traditions in this tribute to the Govett-Brewster’s founding benefactor, Monica Brewster. Commissioned for the 40th anniversary of the gallery in 2010, the brooch is a twist on the typical bicolour cameo form, Cook using different acrylics to portray a chic 1920s-era Brewster with sleek burgundy hair and a scalloped collar. The dainty 18ct gold brooch-in-a-brooch at her neck replicates the bar brooch style which was popular at this time. In a further departure from convention, Cook eschewed the usual oval cameo frame and chose instead an angular surround which reflected Brewster’s love of contemporary art.

In addition to this individual commission, Cook also made ten ‘Monicas’ which were available for supporters to purchase at the gallery’s 40th birthday dinner. Brooches in this edition were a classic oval cameo in a variety of bright acrylic colours. The Monica R. Brewster Cameo Brooch took pride of place at the dinner, worn by then-director Rhana Devenport before finding its home in the Govett-Brewster collection.

A graduate of Unitec Institute of Technology, Cook’s work reinterprets traditional jewellery forms, drawing on their associations with sentimentality and value. Cameo jewellery has ancient origins but reached new heights of popularity in the Victorian era. Cook’s cameos offer a wearable format to memorialise or to commemorate. Her ability to distil character into a simple silhouette has built her a loyal group of collectors who entrust her to portray beloved family members or mourned pets.

— Jane Groufsky, 2023