COLLAR AND PENDANT

Commencing in the late 1940s, Torun created her own distinctive and sculptural jewellery using silver, silver wire, and found objects, often polished pebbles or rock crystal. Following her marriage to the African-American jazz musician, Walter Coleman, Torun moved from Stockholm first to Paris in 1956, then to southwestern France in 1958 where she established a studio at Biot, near Antibes. Whilst there she became part of the artistic community that included Pablo Picasso, who arranged a solo exhibition for her, 1958, and found support for her creations amongst the artistic and bohemian élite. Torun received Silver and Gold Medals at the 1954 and 1960 Milan Triennales respectively, and the prestigious Lunning Prize in 1960. Her handmade jewellery was worn by Ingrid Bergman, Juliette Greco, Brigitte Bardot, and Billie Holiday.