The concept of luxury is associated with ideas of excess (luxus) or even worse immodesty (luxure). An infamous example involving Cleopatra dissolving a priceless pearl and swallowing it encapsulates some common associations between luxury and immorality, or luxury as intrinsically linked to the idea of waste.

This conference intends to go beyond the common connotations attached to the concept of luxury, and challenge them. It will posit that luxury cannot be seen entirely in the light of dissipation. Rather we would like to invite contributions that explore the links between luxury and the idea of recycling i.e. the re-using, repurposing, remaking, reshaping of luxury materials and objects across time and place, hence giving more space for discussion to this understudied historical phenomenon.

Object case studies from all fields of the fine and decorative arts are welcomed to foster conversations across disciplines – for example:

- Historical Fashion and Textiles
- Furniture
- Silver
- Ceramics
- Jewellery
- Armour
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Books and Manuscripts

Contributors can select from the following submission formats:
- Full Paper: 25 minute conference presentation
- Short Paper: 15 minute conference presentation
- Flash Paper: 5 minute (no more than 5 slides). We particularly welcome proposals from emerging scholars in this category.

This conference has been designed to coincide with Classic Week at Christie's in July 2019.

For all submissions please send a 300 word abstract and short biography to: jansellchristies.edu and mtavinorchristies.edu

About Christie’s Education

Christie’s Education is a specialist provider of higher and continuing education, and an internationally recognised centre of academic excellence in the study of art business and the art market, art history and art world ecosystems, curating and connoisseurship. Our teaching philosophy is rooted in a knowledge culture that respects original enquiry and learning and that reflects a commitment to principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity.

Christie’s Education offers master’s degrees in London and New York, and is dedicated to preparing students for entry into the art world, placing great importance on analytical skills, object-based learning, research and scholarship, and the practical experience of art and business as the keys to professional success. Studies are reinforced with a rigorous professional development course and all students are offered an integrated art world work placement as part of their degree.

Christie’s Education also offers a wide range of continuing education opportunities in London, New York and Hong Kong, designed to introduce the fundamentals of art, collecting and art business, as well as advanced and certificate courses for those with an appetite to study at a deeper level. In addition, our online courses provide a fully immersive experience of the art world, enabling anyone in the world to access learning at the click of a button.