The 2016 Art of Design, hosted by the Gibbes Museum's Women's Council, provided a wealth of information and sparkle with jewelry historian and designer, Andrew Prince. His tales shared not only the history of the jewelry itself but also the significance of jewelry within art. Similar to Jane Austen’s style of creating a family’s financial picture by telling us how many sheep, cows, goats and horses, the jewelry told it’s own tale of wealth and social standing. Mr. Prince hosted a trunk show of his jewelry and displayed several of the original jewels worn by the ladies of Downton Abbey.

The Gibbes Women’s Council, formed in 1950, was the first auxiliary group at the Gibbes. Members of the Gibbes Women’s Council are encouraged to donate their time, talents, and financial support to the Gibbes Museum by volunteering for various events and programs that benefit the Gibbes Museum and support its mission of enhancing lives through art.