On March 8, the Tartu Art Museum, in collaboration with the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design, opened the exhibition “Local Beauty. Tallinn Jewellery Factory.” The exhibition explores the history and significance of the Tallinn Jewellery Factory, which played a crucial role in Estonian design history. During the Soviet era, its production—ranging from tableware and cutlery to jewelry—defined the aesthetics of everyday life for decades, blending strict formality with a touch of romance.

The Tallinn Jewellery Factory was founded in 1959 and operated under various names over the years. The longest period, from 1959 to 1978, saw it function under the name Tallinn Jewellery Factory. The exhibition focuses on the factory’s legacy from 1951 to 1994, beginning when the first artists joined the company and ending when political and economic shifts led to its privatization.

The exhibition was first created and showcased at the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design in 2023. So, for those who missed it or wish to visit again, now is the perfect opportunity!

Curators: Kai Lobjakas and Ketli Tiitsar
Designer: Kaire Rannik
Graphic Designer: Valter Jakovski / Ruum 414
Sound: Janek Murd
Video: Virko Veskoja

Exhibition Team: Indrek Aavik, Indrek Grigor, Rene Kriisa, Kristiina Laurits, Katrin Lõoke, Lauri Mei, Jaanika Peebo, Ingmar Roomets, Mihkel Säre, Toomas Übner.