Fabergé's rare gem: Alma Pihl | V&A

The story of Alma Pihl is an unusual one. There were very few women in the goldsmith workshops in St Petersburg in the early 1900s, let alone in the position of designer. Alma's natural talent for drawing and unique eye for design resulted in some of Fabergé's most celebrated pieces of jewellery and two Imperial Easter Eggs.
Ulla Tillander-Godenhielm - great-granddaughter of St Petersburg goldsmith Alexander Tillander, a supplier to the Russian imperial court - has spent many years studying the art of the St Petersburg jewellers and recounts Alma's incredible story in this film.
Find out more about our exhibition Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution: www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/fab...
Read more in our book: www.vam.ac.uk/shop/exhibition...

[@Rye_Toast]

Thank you for telling her story! Wow, could you imagine realizing she was your art teacher? I bet she inspired many students.

[@arenazona1017]

Fantastic story! You can even tell the emotions in the presenter. She seems genuinely proud of Alma and excited for Alma’s work and history. Thank you for this!

[@HollyOllyOxenfree-]

My husband's grandmother was from Russia. She met her husband who was in the American Army and moved to America and had a family. I remember her saying her Father was an assistant in the Faberge workshop. She spoke as if he was assistant to the Tzar himself! The esteem in which this shop is STILL held speaks to the quality , craftsmanship and CREATIVITY of its artisans.

[@jodiejohnson2408]

How interesting, thank you for sharing your story. It is a source of pride to be a part of creating beauty!🙂❤

[@henrylivingstone2971]

I mean….it’s not impossible. Faberge had hundreds of assistants in his various workshops

[@brentonjoseph]

I love how even their non-asmr videos are very asmr-adjacent. 😌

[@voraciousreader3341]

as Mr is purely imaginary.

[@emilyblack7342]

What a wonderful artist she was! The winter egg was always my favourite egg, it’s beautifully designed and even though it’s simple, it outshines all of the other imperial eggs. It’s just timeless.

[@emilyblack7342]

@@buukaczi You think I don’t know that? I watch these videos because I want an escape from the injustices of our current world, but that doesn’t mean I’m ignorant. Honestly, it’s condescending of you to assume that appreciating a trained artist’s talents means that I am unaware of the societal inequities that brought her work into existence, especially within *the House of Faberge* in *Imperial Russia.* Give it a break.

[@emilyblack7342]

@@buukaczi and how presumptuous of you to expect ideological purity in an imperfect world. There is no ethical consumption under capitalism. If anyone is the arrogant one here, it’s you.

[@cmsoocrufkmnsclady6369]

@@emilyblack7342 WAAAAAH It's a video Geez

[@OddLeah]

I've seen books about Faberge before, but I do not remember seeing Alma's works featured. That winter egg is staggeringly beautiful.

[@alleycat2502]

She really WAS talented. You can tell she idolized the winter season. How the snow fell, the delicate nature of a snowflake, the frozen brilliance of the cold. I’m betting she saw it everywhere, in her memories and dreams

[@MrRuperty]

The first time i have seen these objects maked me cry. It's not about the material. The work and the inspiration they put in it ( every peace, can you imigane ? ). WOW. Sorry about my bad english.

[@sjain8111]

English not so bad

[@vangu2918]

Your thoughts are very well expressed.

[@gaylagriffin2533]

Perfect English.

[@TheLuckyjoenga]

I completely what you're saying. If you took a Fabergé object and took it apart for scrap you might have $300 to $400 worth of material. But by the magic of Fabrege and his artisans they could take that material and make something priceless.

[@bethanywilhelm4451]

You are just fine. Your English is just great. You came across perfect in the way these majestic items make you feel. They are spectacular!😃

[@ajelly00]

It is so comforting to hear someone say “she was only 23 years old” as someone who is turning 23 in a few weeks, just graduated a few months ago, trying to figure out how to have a career and not just a job I hate. It’s nice to remember the bad moments aren’t forever

[@Terri_MacKay]

What an incredibly talented woman, and how wonderful of her to choose teaching as a way to pass that talent on to a new generation. Both of Alma's eggs are so different from each other, and yet both are absolutely beautiful. The Winter Egg is so ethereal and delicate, and the Mosaic Egg is a visual feast. It's a shame that colour photography wasn't available for the portrait of Alma at 10:07. That dress looks so elegant and regal...I wonder what colour it was. (For some reason I'm imagining a dark green.) It must have been stunning in person.

[@cayenigma]

I also imagined it being green :)

[@annemchurchwell]

I'm thinking like a Teal actually.

[@Terri_MacKay]

@@annemchurchwell That would be beautiful too. Even in a black and white photo, the material looks so gorgeous and sumptuous.

[@melaniekelley2410]

I think maybe a dark blue. However, green is gorgeous

[@nuinmarnuinmar5321]

I visited the exhibition today (Wed 24 Nov 2021) and the items are even more beautiful in real life - just breath taking.

[@follyjolly7833]

How fortunate 😍

[@franm.8343]

I attended the Faberge Exhibition at the V&A Museum in March 2022 and both of the eggs were on display. What a treat it was to see the beautiful eggs, especially the two discussed in this video. The craftsmanship of the Tapestry Egg is outstanding, and the simplicity and beauty of the Winter Egg is wonderful. I was also impressed by the exquisite simplicity and craftsmanship of the little flowers in crystal vases. I thoughly enjoyed the exhibition after travelling down from Manchester to attend.

[@tothelighthouse9843]

6:13 Astonishingly beautiful. I'm in Canada--we're just now skidding across the ice into winter & the brooch design of the window frost looks exactly as my livingroom window will look by late January. The tendrils & filaments of frost are so precious & fragile in nature, & it's extraordinary to see them copied so precisely by Alma. A wonderful glimpse into the work of this artist, & Ulla Tillander-Godenhielm's admiration & respect for Alma shines out from this video. Thank you so much for telling us about Alma Pihl & sharing her work.

[@allenpinnix5241]

Such a lovely, wonderful presentation! I agree with the title-- Alma Pihl was indeed a rare gem-- but I also think Madame Tillander-Godenhielm is a rare gem as well! Many, many thanks!

[@susanlangley4294]

Well said!

[@sarahcox9284]

Completely agree.

[@eringemini7091]

The ice pendant was especially extraordinary. 👌

[@mariavaz9202]

Alma was blessed with very special talent to create such wonderful, extraordinary art. I'm sure she blessed all the art student's lives she touched as their teacher.

[@mariavaz9202]

@@buukaczi Alma was from Faberge's jewelry work master's family.

[@mariavaz9202]

@@buukaczi I am not repeating your statement. You said she was "born in world famous jewellers family." I said she was from Faberge's jewelry work master's family. I think she was special, if you don't think so that's fine. I don't want to argue with you mam.

[@laurenmary9296]

This story is so exceptional and touching. I love the work of Fabergé, and her designs, specifically, are so glorious.

[@patsmith5947]

The egg and the snowflakes are just gorgeous.

[@BuriedTeeth]

Also, please get this woman in more videos, her speaking is amazing!

[@elizabethkujawinski3240]

Alma was a whole gem herself. So young with talent that it's not hard to believe a young person could only be a wife in those days. Most women of that era were only young brides staying at home and having children. Never heard of her until today, just don't understand why Alma was never spoken up before.? Thank you for this great vedio.

[@lauragregory9436]

Her work is phenomenal and are truly stunning masterpieces! I was never good at sculpture or drafting designs during my art studies so her talent and work ethic really make me awestruck. I wish I could fight through and create works when I have a moment of inspiration. This has given me some feeling of hope to pull myself up by bootstraps and work! Thankyou for sharing her story.

[@susanhepburn6040]

What beautiful work! Thank you very much for posting this. Alma Pihl well deserves for her work to be much more widely known.

[@MEMORIA1316]

Her pieces were stunning. Even the sample mosaic was absolutely beautiful 🦋

[@IsaDesOsiers]

I love this little Victoria and Albert Museum video! Here we are reclaiming some of Women's History and also filling our eyes and spirits with beauty. Wonderful!

[@heyokaikaggen6288]

Thank you so very much for this. I had heard part of the hoarfrost story before but didn't know it's origins. And Alma, designer of one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of the Imperial Eggs, what an extraordinary talent.

[@katgrey6239]

Wonderful story about Alma's life! I love the antique look of jewelry. It is purely fascinating to know how her designs came into being actual pieces of history!!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

What a wonderful story and what an astoundingly talented woman. I am so happy that she was able to work in the art world when so many great women artists were denied an outlet. Thank you 🐝🤗❤️

[@arckocsog253]

It’s so beautiful, like from a fairytale

[@pfreeman2732]

What a wonderful piece of history you've shared with us. A truly lovely story. All fact and nobody can dispute it! Wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. UK

[@beastephenson7970]

Alma's Faberges egg is quite the most beautiful object made by a person that I have ever seen. It just took my breath away how stunning beautiful it is, I can only imagine what seeing the real thing must be like

[@wonderwend1]

What an amazing story. So wonderful to see the documentation of a piece and see it next to it

[@joshprado4353]

Little history gems like these are absolutely amazing. To get to know the faces of the craftsman/women.

[@alisonmary1443]

Wonderful story, the work is breath taking, petite pois brooch is simply gorgeous. Thank you

[@RC-zm7hz]

Give peas a chance! Spellcheck at work I suppose.

[@alisonmary1443]

@@RC-zm7hz lol 😂 is work really that boring

[@BuriedTeeth]

I wish I could watch this video for the first time all over again, what a fascinating story!

[@judylamar6752]

Marvelous story. Thank you!

[@Sally-nse2]

Farberge ‘s artists and their works, are amongst some of the finest, most beautiful and wonderful in the world of jewels and goldsmithing ever seen. Imho

[@morrisdancer11]

This amazing video made me quite tearful. The story was great given the times etc. but the 1913 egg is so stunning and beautiful I have never seen anything like it. I am aged 81 and was born in Ashton-under-Lyne Lancashire (A working class cotton town). Although I have done many types of craft, Art, creativity I can only imagine what inspiration I might have gleaned from seeing and experiencing such beauty. ; I have never even owned a precious gem. Thank You so much.

[@craftinghome]

Her work was stunning and gave me goosebumps...

[@kevdimo6459]

It’s amazing how much we can learn from KZbin stories such as this. Hers is a story that could or should be made into a movie. Thanks for showing it.

[@Kaalokalawaia]

What a great story. Love the history behind this. Thank you for sharing.

[@supernova7848]

What an amazing piece of history. Thanks for sharing!

[@melvillehayes6305]

Wondeful research, and illuminating our knowledge of the Faberge workshop !

[@juliancoulden1753]

Thank you so much for this wonderful vignette. What an extraordinary woman alma was.

[@shelleyharris165]

Thank you for sharing this again. So wonderful to hear the story, done and spoke well. Blessings 🙏😇✌️🕊️💝😊🌎🙌✝️☮️💪

[@hensonlaura]

Wonderful to see, elegantly presented, thank you.

[@user-ke8st8jc1v]

Breathtaking!!! Thank God we are able to see and admire these masterpieces.

[@pauloroarty1799]

What a Charming Lady to listen to and I thoroughly enjoyed your Story.Thank you

[@mayaia5990]

This video is soo lovely! I have always adored the eggs and hearing Alma's story was wonderful

[@nalayini1504]

Stunning pieces I'm blown away, so glad to be able to see Alma's design 💕

[@shirleykathan-sayess5764]

Fascinating! So beautiful, and the 1st Easter egg is stunning! Thank you. ❤ Shirley

[@shirleyoldfield7200]

Thank you very much. What a wonderful way to start a wintery day in Canada. Quelle beauté!

[@amandashelton1162]

Alma was a muse. She inspired people with her creativity. She was a rare person.

[@johnellis7445]

Wow ,thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful story. Alma must have been a power house of a woman and years ahead of her time .She has left us beauty in her work for future generations to admire. Rest in peace.

[@chuxmix65]

Thank you for sharing her story!

[@McChrister]

Fascinating story! Thank you for sharing….The Faberge designs are truly legendary and out of this world beautiful(and unaffordable🤑) ♥️👋🏼🇨🇦

[@artofescapism]

Great to learn about this fascinating person! The works she designed are so beautiful- the artistry and care put into them is breathtaking!

[@holdyourhorses9842]

Thank you Ms. Ulla, for this fine presentation.

[@Nanou197373]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, these pieces are extremely beautiful. What a wonderful woman Alma was :)

[@carolinebesinger8611]

Thank you, so very informative I have not seen a lot of these pieces truly amazing. ❤️ thanks for telling us about her both of you brilliant ladies.

[@susanwills4723]

The snow ❄️ are truely gorgeous what fascinating designs. They are truly beautiful. What an amazing lady Alma was. Thank you for sharing this video I love 💕 it

[@arealhauntedhouse4171]

Absolutely phenomenal craftsmanship!🌟

[@sharonrousseau3527]

Oh my gosh how fascinating. I’m not a huge fan of Faberge but certainly appreciate the brilliance of the creations. She’s a “hidden woman” in history.

[@MrFersitos]

Just...lovely!! Thankyou so much!!♥️♥️♥️

[@englishrose4388]

Thank you for this clip. Such an incredible history. And what a shame that she wasn't able to carry her work on.

[@astridmccorkle1015]

An amazing story. Thank you.

[@Backwardlooking]

Fantastic. What a tragedy that she couldn’t continue her outstanding work.

[@londonhodnet4079]

Inspiring exhibition, thank you

[@updownstate]

Thank you for this video. This is information I never knew. I saw an exhibit of Faberge eggs and every one you could look at all day. So exquisite, detailed, colorful, and not at all static. They change with the light. I was surprised that almost all are accounted for, given the uproar of the 20th century. If you get the chance to see even one, stand on line all day if you have to.

[@rogerlloyd1897]

Absolutely stunning 😍

[@silvergirl7810]

My mom collected eggs and loved this info so much- she would have loved this video- thank you for sharing ❤️

[@jeanhawken4482]

Brilliant woman. So talented

[@luisaparodi8571]

Amazing 💗 thanks for sharing

[@judyderieux8484]

How wonderful and special of a person. Thank - you for this lovely information✨

[@shelleyauld3514]

WOW, thank you for sharing

[@twilfits]

That was splendid much appreciated!

[@donaldauguston9740]

Thank you for posting this obscure but fascinating bit of history. DA

[@kathya1321]

Very interesting. Such stunning works. Thank you - !

[@silverfoxpin]

Absolutely fascinating!!

[@Dakiniwoman]

I found this very interesting... thank you for telling this story of a beautiful and talented woman.

[@Pooty_With_A_Fat_Booty]

I'm not one for jewelry. But that piece in the thumbnail is to die for. My heart melted. ❤

[@Du-Masses]

That winter egg was so stunning! I had a somatic reaction: goosebumps, mild teary eyes, and a bit of salivating. Art has only ever made me salivate once before when I saw the most glorious peach in a still-life, but these eggs are not for eating.

[@charlotteillustration5778]

Fascinating. Thank you!

[@reinadegrillos]

Muy interesante. Hermosos trabajos de arte para los más privilegiados.

[@DianeKovacs]

Loveliness! I would treasure and wear any of her designs!

[@ESP-ionage]

I truly appreciate your insight

[@MSYNGWIE12]

To see her sketch books! I will close my eyes now and dream of my favorite season, winter, my beloved snow flakes and ice crystals, "ice flowers" in an entirely unique way-

[@mcatherinew4779]

Absolutely awe inspiring!

[@Joe___R]

That Easter egg of 1913 is stunningly beautiful.

[@ursulareeg1171]

I've seen the mosaic egg in San Diego and many others. What a joy!

[@yoopermann7942]

i have known about ALMA from an elderly couple from SWEDEN i just didnt know her connection to FABERGE ,, man that must have been exciting for her to work in such an important shop! thank you for this bit of information,, do you know if she had done any more pieces or did she ust continue as an art teacher?

[@teresarettkowski8436]

Enjoyed this interesting story. Thank you.

[@dtulip1]

What an absolutely brilliant addition to KZbin, fantastic story

[@debrasmith4675]

Lovely presentation!

[@dnitagill7]

Creativity knows no bounds spectacular Art ! 💜

[@annebelgard6723]

Our art museum here in Richmond VA has a few Faberge's eggs and they are stunning.

[@daschwarz1649]

My mother, also an artist and goldsmith, was fascinated by snowflakes and produced beautiful pieces. She loved the symmetry of snowflakes and the mathamatical beauty of them. She also had sketch books filled with drawings of them. I do not know if she was aware of her work ( she now has advanced dementia so I can not ask) but keeps a book of Faberge's work in her room.

[@lancemillward1912]

Beautiful story

[@rupertprawnworthy758]

Excellent presentation

[@EternalNyappy]

Hahaa! I know a Finnish accent when I hear one :D interesting history!

[@Little_Red_Riding_Hoodlum]

These are so stunning. ❤