‘Disclosures’: glimpses of Florence through Grace’s Lens
Photos by Ludovica Barone.
Some evenings linger in our memories, wrapped in Beauty and magic, like the soft glow of the setting sun on Florence’s ancient landmarks.
On September 19th, I had the privilege to work alongside FUL Agency to bring to light the vernissage of Grace Lambert Phillips’ photography exhibition, ‘Disclosures’. Held at the elegant Golden View restaurant in Florence, overlooking the Arno and the immortal Ponte Vecchio, the event unfolded on a gorgeous end-of-summer day, in which art, Beauty, and grace blended effortlessly.
‘Disclosures’: Capturing Florence in Silence
Disclosures is a stunning collection of black and white photographs, captured by Grace Lambert-Phillips during the stillness of the pandemic in 2020. With her unique eye and heart, with the awe, reverence, and spirit of a first-time grand tourist, she revealed moments of Florence’s quiet Beauty, preserving glimpses of the city suspended in time. The photos, displayed elegantly against the backdrop of Golden View’s sophisticated ambiance, invited the guests to contemplate Florence as they had never seen it before: serene, haunting, poetic and deeply moving. The photographs capture historic monuments and symbols of Florence, highlighting their powerful identity, letting the harmouny of the art and architecture of the Renaissance resurface.
Graceful, just like her name.
Grace Lambert-Phillips is a Scottish documentary photographer who captures the essence of humanity and culture through black and white photography. She is also one of the most elegant, delicate, and graceful women I have ever met.
She has been the beloved muse of the Scottish artist Jack Vettriano and has shown her work in exhibitions in New York, Scotland, and France. In 2020, Grace founded the Lambert-Phillips Foundation to raise awareness of the cultural and heritage conservation through photography. She now lives in the stunning frame of Tuscany, where she is opening a studio and gallery, continuing to explore the roots of photography and European cultural history.
Unveiling the Unseen: Jack Vettriano’s Portraits
One of the evening’s highlights was the unveiling of unseen works by the renowned Scottish artist Jack Vettriano, exhibited to the public for the first time. Grace, his longtime muse, holds a special place in his artistic journey, and seeing these intimate pieces was a rare and unforgettable experience.
I had the honour and responsability of reading the preface penned by Thierry Morel, curator of the exhibition and director of the Hermitage Museum Foundation.
Addressing an audience of curators, artists, art and antiques experts, and museum directors from across Europe, I was filled with gratitude for the opportunity to give a voice to his thoughtful words. Thierry’s introduction illuminated the deep connection between the art of photography and the preservation of cultural heritage, perfectly aligning with the mission of Grace’s own Lambert Phillips Foundation, which is dedicated to safeguarding history through the lens of photography.
“The great square was in shadow, the sunshine had come too late to strike it.
Neptune was already unsubstantial in the twilight, half god, half ghost, and his fountain plashed dreamingly to the men and satyrs who idled together on its marge. The Loggia showed as the triple entrance of a cave, wherein many a deity, shadowy, but immortal, looking forth upon the arrivals and departures of mankind. It was the hour of unreality – the hour, that is, when unfamiliar things are real.”
- E. M. Forster, A Room With a View
A sublime location over the Arno:
Golden View, Firenze
An aperitif featuring exceptional fine wines welcomed the guests, followed by a top-class dinner, accompanied by live music. As we dined, we were enveloped in the golden glow of sunset, watching the Arno shimmer beneath the Ponte Vecchio in the most sublime and surreal atmosphere.
As the evening came to a close, there was a profound sense of gratitude for being part of such a precious circle of kindred and graceful souls.
Standing together beneath the soft twilight sky of Florence, unfolded the true power of art: its ability to connect people, and create precious shared memories, while celebrating Beauty, grace, and the lasting bonds we form through shared experiences and one common purpose, in the heart of a city that inspires admiration and contemplation in all of us.
Grace’s Disclosures opened a window into a world where stillness and silence revealed their own Beauty, inviting us all to pause and see the moments that often go unnoticed, making the unrealty, real.
“One must never forget that Florence is a miracle the likes of which have only happened a few times in history. These treasures of art and architecture are only born from a unique constellation of will, talent, fortune and time which so seldom come together.”
- Thierry Morel, Curator & Director of the Hermitage Museum Foundation
