Necklace 'Pirelli Calendar 1985', designed by Butler & Wilson, Great Britain, 1984

Necklace with a tyre track design of black plastic overlaid with grey and white plastic and silver metal.

Given by Mrs Andrew Cowan

Registered File number 1985/1213. The jewellery set (T.474, 476 to 478-1985) was specially commissioned for the Pirelli calendar 1985 and was photographed by Norman Parkinson.
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Gallery label text for Fashion Tracks exhibition:

FASHION TRACKS

Designer Clothes for the 1985 Pirelli Calendar
In 1983 Martyn Walsh the Art Director and Designer of the Pirelli Calendar suggested to Pirelli UK Ltd that they revive the famous Pirelli Calendar and as an innovation incorporate a fashion show using the P6 tyre tread as the decorative theme. Fourteen leading British Designers were invited to make clothes and accessories using the tyre tread design. These commissions represented a significant break-away from the traditional Pirelli Calendars and resulted in an unusual and stylistically powerful collection. The dramatic photographs were taken by Norman Parkinson. At the Calendar launch the collection was auctioned for charity and later the owners generously gave these unique works to the V&A.
The Mannequins and display are by the Creative Team of Adel Rootstein Hopkins Ltd.
The display will be in the Dress Collection from 5th November 1986 to Autumn 1987. It is divided into two parts, one on either side of the Dress Collection at the entrances from Rooms 21 and 47 respectively.

Attribution note: Specially commissioned for the Pirelli calendar 1985

T.474-1985