‘Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection’
A traveling exhibition of jewelry from the personal collection of Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State, opened at the Smithsonian Castle June 18. “Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection” features more than 200 pins, many of which Secretary Albright wore to communicate messages during her diplomatic tenure. The exhibit examines the collection for its historical significance and the expressive power of jewelry and its ability to communicate through a style and language of its own. The exhibition will be on view through Oct. 11.
Madeleine Albright
When she was named the first female Secretary of State in 1997, Albright became, at that time, the highest ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. While serving under President Bill Clinton, first as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and then as Secretary of State, she became known for wearing pins that conveyed her views about the situation at hand.
“I found that jewelry had become part of my personal diplomatic arsenal,” Secretary Albright said. “While President George H.W. Bush had been known for saying ‘Read my lips,’ I began urging colleagues and reporters to ‘Read my pins.’”
Breaking the Glass Ceiling, circa 1997. Designer unknown, USA. Dichroic and painted glass. 3” x 1.6” x 2.6” (7.5cm x 4cm x 6.7cm). Courtesy of the Madeleine Albright Collection. Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
The exhibition accompanies Secretary Albright’s latest book, Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box (2009; HarperCollins). The exhibition and the book explore the stories behind the pins and their historical and artistic significance.
A highlight of the exhibition includes a brooch that began Albright’s use of pins as a diplomatic tool. After Saddam Hussein’s press referred to her as an “unparalleled serpent,” she wore a golden snake brooch pinned to her suit for her next meeting on Iraq. The exhibition features the famous snake brooch among many other pins with similar stories—some associated with important world events, others gifts from international leaders or valued friends.
Liberty, 1997. Gijs Bakker, Netherlands. Sterling silver, stainless-steel watches. 4.2” x 3.6” (10.7cm x 9.2cm). Courtesy of the Madeleine Albright Collection. Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
In addition, the exhibition showcases a group of Americana pins that are at the center of Secretary Albright’s collection. One pin custom-made for her is a silver brooch that shows the head of Lady Liberty with two watch faces for eyes, one of which is upside down—allowing both her and her visitor to see when it is time for an appointment to end. As demonstrated in this clever work, the exhibit also explores Secretary Albright’s ongoing impact on the field of jewelry design and collecting.
Secretary Albright will sign copies of her book, Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box Sunday, July 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Commons (West Wing) of the Castle. Copies of the book may be preordered by calling the Castle store at (202) 633-0030 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Books may be picked up one week before the event. Smithsonian members will receive a discount.
Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil, 2000. Iradjmoini, USA. Tagua nuts, yellow gold-plated base metal, simulated pearls, antique German glass cabochons, crystals. 1.2” x 2.1” (3cm x 5.3cm). Courtesy of the Madeleine Albright Collection. Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
The Smithsonian Associates will present an on-stage discussion with Secretary Albright to discuss “Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection” Tuesday, Sept. 14, at noon. A book signing will follow the event. Complete program information will be posted on www.residentassociates.org in July.
Secretary Albright tours the exhibition and explains the significance of some of her favorite pieces:
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Posted: 24 June 2010
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