Tie Pin c. 1936

Eugene Barrell's 'Tie Pin', created mid-20th century, is a meticulous design study showcasing the evolution of personal adornment. At its heart, a circular emblem anchors the pin, evoking ancient symbols of the sun, eternity, and wholeness. Consider how the circle, a universal motif, appears in myriad forms across cultures—from the Ouroboros, a snake eating its tail, to the halos encircling saints in religious iconography. Each iteration carries layers of cultural memory. The circle binds us subconsciously to ancestral longings for completion and protection, and has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts. Its presence on a tie pin subtly transforms an ordinary accessory into a potent symbol of identity.