Haute Couture at the Abkhazi Garden
Steel sculptures by Bev Petow
inspired by the glamourous wardrobe of the Princess Peggy Abkhazi

Opening at the Abkhazi Garden
Saturday, April 9, 2016
1964 Fairfield Road, Victoria

Artist Reception April 9, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Princess Peggy Abkhazi had an exotic, privileged and far-flung life. Born in Shanghai, orphaned at an early age and adopted by a wealthy childless couple, she lived all over the world until coming to stay in Victoria with her husband, an exiled Georgian prince, and over fifty years build an entrancing garden. She became the royalty that Victoria has always craved; she and the prince attended the balls at Government House and Union Club functions and Peggy Abkhazi always dressed like a princess. Fortuitously, some of her fabulous dresses have been kept by the garden and they are the inspiration for this show.

Beverly Petow is an American/Canadian sculptor whose work has been exhibited, admired and collected widely. A rare woman in the metalworking world, she creates pieces of exquisite delicacy in steel. Her many years of designing and sewing her own wardrobe shows in Haute Couture and her ongoing ‘Dress Series’.

Exhibition curated and presented by Duthie Gallery.