Studio Hacienda (2005–2008) was established in a factory space in Abbotsford by Blanche Tilden and Phoebe Porter following an Australia Council funded mentorship of Phoebe by Blanche in 2005.
The General Assembly brooches were developed as a series of designed and engineered component parts that, when assembled, are redolent of the built structures of Melbourne and Canberra.
Drawing inspiration from the philosophy of serial production demonstrated in the work of craftspeople such as Melbourne contemporary jeweller, Susan Cohn, and German master goldsmith, Friedrich Dau, Studio Hacienda have produced interchangeable components of varying colour, texture, form and material that are laid out in a "production line" ready pick'n'mix. Architectural details and signage found around Melbourne's CBD were starting points from which each design evolved.
"General Assembly exemplifies Porter and Tilden's common ground: working in multiples, exploring the individual impulse to select, combine and adorn, alertness to the ubiquitous street styles that pulse through a city. It is a project that involves people in a lively, intelligent conversation through the object. That's Studio Hacienda." - Merryn Gates
General Assembly—Canberra brooch series 2007–2008, remade 2021
Edition number RE01.
Materials: flameworked borosilicate glass, anodised aluminium, titanium, stainless steel
Dimensions: 8 cm (h) x 3 cm (w) x 0.5 cm (d)
