Welcome to a new series where we invite friends of the brand to impart the inspirations, interiors and tastes that shape their worlds. First up – Georgia Spray, founder of Partnership Editions, who tells us about the art of collecting, nostalgic homewares, and the home she’d most like to visit.
How would you describe your taste?
I’d describe my taste as eclectic and driven by storytelling. Every object or artwork I collect has a backstory that caught my eye. Whether it’s about how a piece was made or what it represents, I just love having a personal connection to the items in my space.
If you could choose one piece of your work to be remembered for, what would it be?
I started Partnership Editions to help break down the elitism of the art world. So many people feel that enjoying or collecting art is strictly for those with art history degrees or deep pockets. But the truth is, art is for everyone - it’s such an instinctive, personal experience. If I'm remembered for anything, I hope it's that Partnership Editions and my book, How to Start an Art Collection, inspired people who once felt intimidated by art to finally dip their toes in.
What do you collect, consciously or otherwise?
Given what I do for a living, it’s probably no surprise that I collect art. My ultimate litmus test for working with a new artist is usually whether I’d want to own their work myself. It’s definitely a dangerous perk of the job!
What’s the most important light in your home?
I have two Palefire lights in my home that I am very fond of, particularly the Serpent Cloche in my living room which I love as it's a work of art in its own right. I also recently inherited a vintage Murano mushroom light which came from my family home in America growing up and it immediately makes me think of my childhood bedroom.
What do you love that other people might consider bad taste?
I love collecting garish fridge magnets from every place or exhibition that I travel to. They cover my fridge and act as a pinboard for family photos.
Whose home would you most like to have a look around?
I'd love to step inside any of the homes depicted in one of Vermeer's paintings. The fabrics, the ceramics, the light - just wonderful.
'How to Start an Art Collection' Photography by Elena Bazu, Author Georgia Spray, Partnership Editions, Published by Thames & Hudson.