Notes of Curiosity: FLORA VESTERBERG
With Flora Vesterberg's distinguished background as an art historian and broadcaster, paired with her rich Greek heritage — her great-grandmother being HRH Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark — she stands as the perfect choice for this month's YSSO Journal. Keep reading to learn more about Flora's deep connection to Greece and be inspired by her love for culture, jewellery, and travel.
01 WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR INSPIRATION?
Earlier this year, my friend Lena Economides Lamotte introduced me to the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens. It displays the extensive collection of Nikolaos and Dolly Goulandris and focuses on the history of the Cyclades, an idyllic group of Greek islands including Mykonos, Santorini, and Milos. I was very inspired by the objects and sculptures that we encountered.
02 DO YOU ENJOY COLLECTING JEWELLERY?
As an art historian, I have always been interested in jewellery as a form of art and craftsmanship. YSSO emphasises this connection with beautiful pieces sculpted by hands and drawing from Greek architecture and emblems. Last year, we went to Japan and I enjoyed learning about the women who dive and collect pearls in places like Ise-Shima, Toba, and Mikimoto.
03 WHAT MEMORIES DO YOU HAVE OF GREECE?
I feel very connected to my Greek heritage and always love exploring the museums and collections of Athens as well as the surrounding islands. Earlier this year, we travelled to Lefkada in the Ionian Islands. We had a wonderful stay with The Thinking Traveller at Oikos Nostos overlooking Ithaca. The beaches were breathtaking with pearlescent water as well as exquisite marine life.
04 WHERE DO YOU ESCAPE TO WHEN TRAVELLING?
We stayed at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens this spring. I was very impressed by the service and architecture. It felt serene and healing to be on the water and enjoy the stunning views across the peninsula. There is also a heavenly spa where you spend peaceful mornings and always leave feeling relaxed and revived. It felt very organic and nourishing.
05 WHICH ARE YOUR FAVOURITE YSSO PIECES?
I cherish my Whisper of the Wind earrings, because they resemble the delicate shells that we often find in Greece. The pebble beaches of the Ionian Islands would occasionally reveal perfectly-preserved shells at the water’s edge. I display them in a ceramic dish by Aerin Lauder that is also shaped like a scallop shell with a gilt edge. The arrangement looks like a sculpture.
06 HOW DO YOU WORK WITH ART AND JEWELLERY?
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to host a jewellery illustration workshop with Piaget in London. We invited an inspiring group of women to learn this new skill as they painted gemstones in gouache. It was an enriching experience for all of us - and wonderful to have you (Alexia Karides, Founder of YSSO) there wearing your sculptural YSSO pieces.
07 WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT?
I’ve recently begun a new role as Co-chair of the Young Patrons’ Circle of the V&A Museum and look forward to our upcoming Cartier exhibition, which will focus on the compelling history of the jewellery brand. I’ve also been appointed to the Campaign Board of my alma mater The Courtauld Institute of Art. Our luminous exhibition Monet and London. Views of the Thames opens this month.
*Image credits:
Collage one: Images courtesy of the Museum of Cycladic Art and Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens.
Image two: Flora Vesterberg pictured with Alexander Ogilvy and Prince Constantine-Alexios of Greece and Denmark at YSSO's Notting hill pop-up.