For your eyes only the art of; artefacts
FYEO no.4
Dear readers,
This month, I want to take you inside a more personal part of my world my collection of artefacts. Some pieces are deeply sentimental, tied to family and memory. Others are wonderfully quirky, collected on a whim but loved for the stories they carry. Some were chosen as investments, carefully considered, while others are simply beautiful objects that make everyday life a little richer.
I’ll be sharing glimpses of our collection at home objects that have stayed with us for years, each with its own tale to tell. And, as a special addition, I’ll also reveal one of my absolute best-kept secrets for finding museum and art inspiration. It’s s something that has shaped the way I experience art, and I can’t wait to let you in on it.
As it happens, I’m also planning an Arts & Tea trip to London this early fall, where this very spot will, of course, be on the itinerary. Imagine a few days immersed in art, history, and carefully curated tea experiences perhaps some of you might like to join? If the idea of a planned and thoughtfully curated art and tea journey speaks to you, let me know. It could be the perfect autumn escape.
Kindly note: This For Your Eyes Only, is rich with inspiration and may be on the longer side. If your email platform shortens it, please open it in your browser to fully appreciate every detail. This newsletter includes affiliate links.
WISHLIST- FYEO Artefacts
Lately, my wishlist has been filled with objects that blend beauty and function, from unique artifacts to small treasures that catch my eye. These aren’t the life-altering, soul-searching acquisitions, but they’re the ones that add a bit of flair to everyday life.
Each item is a little escape—whether it’s a perfectly crafted piece of jewelry or an object with a story waiting to be discovered, it’s all about adding to the curated world around me.
SVENSK TENN - Tea Jars
Svenskt Tenn is the undisputed design mogul when it comes to pewter, silver, and everyday objects that somehow feel like heirlooms the moment you buy them. The IKEA of the rich, if you don’t mind me saying.
Right now, I’m decorating a kitchen wall with glass shelves and wooden brackets, creating the perfect home for my growing collection of tea and coffee jars. In a parallel universe, I’d buy them all at once, but in this one, I’m officially starting my collection one piece at a time. And just like that, I’l never need to write a wishlist for my family again.
Once it’s done, it’s going to look incredible next to our kitchen vault window. And as a bonus, the coffee machine will get an instant facelift just by sitting underneath it.
Mason Pearson haircare belongs on my bathroom shelf for its unisex scent, classic packaging, and that perfect balance of going back to basics with a touch of luxury. It’s timeless, functional, and just the right hint of elegance I’ve been looking for.Mason Pearson haircare here Shampoo, Conditioner , and leave in.
I’ve always been captivated by mirrors—not in a Dorian Gray sense, but for how they can make light dance around a room, open up small spaces, and reflect other pieces of art. A Fornasetti convex mirror with an architectural monument design around it would be the perfect addition to my space. It’s not just functional—it’s a work of art in its own right, amplifying both the light and the beauty of everything it reflects. So on my wishlist is this magic Fornasetti Mirror
I received The Universal Balm from Monastery LA as a Christmas gift, and from the first use, I knew I needed everything they’ve ever made. The scent is intoxicating; like walking through a sun-drenched field in summer, blended with Spiritus Sancti, and that fleeting, breathless feeling of standing in a vast church. I know it sounds dramatic, but honestly, it’s the closest thing to a religious experience I’ve had since my first Bikram class. Transcending.
And then there’s the packaging”understated yet deliberate.”A no-brand brand moment, where the logo is both bold and minimal, much like my favorite perfume house, Trudon. Right now, my Monastery order is making its way across the ocean, leaving me almost broke, but I already know it will brighten every morning routine to come. Results to follow. I’v receved a link so if you want to try it gives you 20% off.
Elsa Peretti’s influence is everywhere right now. Her organic, sculptural designs ”fluid like molten metal” feel more relevant than ever. Known for her work with Tiffany & Co, she redefined jewelry in the 1970s - making everyday luxury effortless. Pieces like the Bone Cuff, Open Heart, and her sculpted Teardrop pendants weren’t just accessories; they were wearable art.
Now, I find myself hunting for a vintage Peretti piece’s something with that original, untouched magic. But if you’re looking for a more affordable take, this one from COS does the job perfectly. Or this beautiful piece from Massimo Dutti are offering great interpretations so to say.
Sleek, minimal, and just sculptural enough to capture that Peretti essence without the Tiffany price tag.
Some paintings you admire, and some paintings follow you. This one has been living in my mind and quite literally, my dreams for weeks. Jan De Vliegherâ glassware compositions are like light trapped in motion, reflections captured mid-dance. This particular piece, with its green and beige tones, feels like it belongs on my kitchen wall, right next to the vault window, catching the morning sun.
In a parallel universe, I’d already have it. In this one, I’m manifesting it onto my wishlist. If you happen to know where to find it or feel incredibly generous, just know that it would make me eternally grateful.
MY ARTIFACS - At home
One of our most tresuered artefacts is the marble torso by Michael Piper (1921- 1997). Piper was a British sculptor and poet, born in Nottingham. He began studying economics and philosophy at Queens College, Oxford, in 1939, but his education was interrupted by military service during World War II.
After the war, Piper pursued a career in sculpture, creating works that often depicted the human form. While there is limited information available about Piper’s complete body of work, his sculptures are recognized for their craftsmanship and artistic expression. We inherred this one from Johns late Father Richard. Im currantly looking in to spotlight that will elevate the exeprience of it at night.
This is an example of the quiet presence of craftsmanship—small figurines and statues placed on shelves, windowsills, and corners you pass every day. They don’t demand attention, but they catch your eye, reminding you of the hands that shaped them, the stories they hold. A daily ritual of noticing, of appreciating art not just in museums, but in the rhythm of home.
Games turned into art—small trays from our Japanese board games now hang above our bed, fitting perfectly like they were always meant to be there. A reminder that design and play can coexist, that everyday objects can take on new lives when seen from a different perspective
We have these cherries in mouth-blown glass by Gunilla Kihlgren in our home, along with plums made by Gunilla. We collect them in bowls around the apartment, and they remind us of John’s late mother. Their smooth texture makes them soothing to hold, almost like a stress stone.
Each cherry is unique, and as a design object, it has become a true classic at the Nationalmuseum Shop. A beautiful decorative piece that evokes the fruit still lifes of 17th-century art.
I have these two sculptures; I won them at an auction when we bought our first house, and I put them in our bookshelf as stoppers.
Gunnar Kanevad (1930–2019) was a distinguished Swedish sculptor renowned for his innovative wooden sculptures. Operating from his studio in Linköping, Sweden, he crafted pieces that blend organic forms with modern aesthetics. His work is celebrated for its craftsmanship and artistic expression, with many pieces represented in Swedish museums.
Kanevad’s sculptures often feature interlocking wooden pieces, allowing them to be assembled and disassembled, adding an interactive element to his art. His designs have been featured in various exhibitions and are sought after by collectors.
These were the first things I bought for our country house. I found them at a haymarket one Sunday morning and was delighted. The plan was to hang them as 'his and hers' next to our bedside. John loved them as much as I did, and as soon as we’re done with the small renovations at Öland, I will hang them up—as a reminder of how happy we were when we first got the keys and the fact that we will be able to sleep next to each other there until we grow old.
Reijmyre glass is one of the things we collect together. As mentioned in the newsletter The Art of Artifacts, I told you why. These are our current collection of Reijmyre pieces, along with some crystal highball glasses from Newport.
If you’d like, please tell me about your favorites in your home—I would love to hear from you in the comments below.
PLAYLIST- FYEO Artefacts
As I write for this newspaper, I’ve curated a playlist that perfectly complements the atmosphere I hope to evoke—one of tranquility, reflection, and a longing for museums and art. The music captures the essence of life as art, and art as an essential part of life. It’s a backdrop that soothes, helps you think, and allows the words to breathe.
Whether it’s the stillness of a museum or the quiet inspiration of an artist’s work, this playlist is a companion to both the reading and the experience of the world through the lens of art.
MUSEUM - Sir John Soane’s London
One of the most wow moments in my life—after giving birth and visiting the Corcovado statue in Rio de Janeiro—was walking into Sir John Soane’s building in London. It was a defining experience.
The museum has been preserved as it was at the time of his death in 1837, displaying his vast collection of antiquities, furniture, sculptures, architectural models, and paintings
If your intreseded in the astanghin history of Joan Soan you can eather listed to the digital screening or purchase this book or perhaps even better join me this fall when we take the higlights toure in person. Looking forward to seeing some of the most spectacular rooms in the Museum, including the private apartments where Soane lived and slept, and get a fascinating insight into our most famous and beautiful treasures including paintings by Canaletto and J.M.W. Turner, and a 3,000 year-old sarcophagus of an Egyptian King. Cant wait to visit again.
Here you can purchase a paper replica of the building and the architectural features presented in it.
When I visited two years ago, some rooms and surfaces were closed for renovation. But I read on the website that you can now visit the newly renovated Drawing Office. That’s one of the reasons I want to head over there for an Arts and Tea weekend—along with the fact that they are launching a new residency programme at the Soane.
The programme will host two artists at the museum each year, in spring and autumn. The residents will be able to work in the Office, drawing inspiration from the museum’s collection, exhibitions, and education programme.
I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about anything lately.
The Office was the creative heart of Soane’s home on Lincoln's Inn Fields. Here, Soane’s draughtsmen and pupils worked on his architectural projects, inspired by his extensive collection. The Drawing Office is a central part of Soane’s own legacy, where he supported the next generation of architectural talent. During the restoration, over 200 works were cleaned and reinstalled, some coming out of storage for the first time. Columns were realigned, bookcases and stained glass reinstated and original desks and paintwork rejuvenated.
- John Soane org
GARDEROB - Toteme
Toteme’s new launch, Garderob, is more than just a collection: it’s a concept. A carefully curated selection of pieces designed to work effortlessly together, whether you’re 20 or 78. These garments transition seamlessly from work to an evening out, making a wardrobe feel complete. To me, Garderob highlights something important: you dont need to chase trends or give in to fleeting impulses to look classic and effortless. You can look beautiful ”and let’s be honest, expensive” without the constant need for reinvention. And yes, it is expensive, though not quite at The Row levels (yet).
I’ve been devoted to Toteme since its first launch. My friend Sofia introduced me to the brand, and from that moment on, I’ve stayed true to it. Toteme makes me feel like myself without overthinking how I come across. Time and time again, I think of something I want, walk into Toteme a few months later and there it is. My wardrobe is small, and I like it that way. I find it mentally cluttering to have too many things, even if they’re nice, just sitting in the background unused.
With Garderob, Toteme is revisiting old designs while introducing new ones. I think of this as “a personal shopping service available for free” which, is a brilliant touch.
Here are my favorite pieces from Garderob
MUSEUM SHOPS - Where Art Meets Craft
We all love a good museum shop, don’t we? The joy of finding that perfect artifact-inspired piece or a small handmade item that brings the art home with us. As much as I enjoy the galleries, the shop often holds treasures of its own—pieces that echo the collection, yet stand as individual works of craftsmanship.
Here are some of my favorites where you can find replicas of masterpieces or unique handmade goods that carry the soul of the museum:
Medelhavsmuseet (Stockholm) – A treasure trove for lovers of Mediterranean art and culture, the shop at Medelhavsmuseet offers an impressive selection of jewelry, pottery, and artifacts inspired by the museum’s extensive collections. Each piece captures the spirit of ancient civilizations and brings their history to life.
Millesgården (Stockholm) - A gem for those who appreciate Swedish art and sculpture, Millesgården’s shop features high-quality replicas of Carl Milles’ sculptures, along with artisan-made goods inspired by the museum’s beautiful garden setting.
Glypoteket (Copenhagen) - Known for its ancient and classical collections, Glyptoteket’s shop offers replicas of Roman and Greek sculptures, as well as beautifully crafted jewelry and accessories that bring the museum’s artifacts into the modern day.
The Victoria and Albert Museum Shop (London) – This shop offers everything from exquisitely crafted replicas to handmade jewelry, textiles, and home decor. It’s a goldmine for those looking for quality that honors both tradition and contemporary artistry.
The British Museum Shop (London) – Featuring pieces inspired by the museum’s extensive collections, you’ll find artful replicas, handcrafted ceramics, and textiles that reflect cultures from all over the world.
SNAPSHOTS
THINK TANK - Artefacts
APRICOT - The Return of Elegance
Once dismissed as a relic of the past, apricot is making a triumphant return—wrapped in the sun-drenched nostalgia of Italy’s Lake Garda and the effortless luxury of a ‘90s Felicity-meets-Ritz aesthetic. This is not the saccharine peach of the early aughts, but a richer, more sophisticated shade—think frescoed villas kissed by golden hour, silk moiré drapes framing a terrace, or the soft glow of candlelight on a perfectly set table.
Designers are leaning into this hue for its warmth and quiet opulence, reviving it in walls swathed in Venetian plaster, sumptuous velvets, and flowing silks. It’s a shade that embodies both romance and restraint—a counterpoint to the starkness of recent years. Picture a room where apricot meets deep tobacco leather, antique brass, where the carefree ease of ‘90s nostalgia mingles with the old-world grandeur of Italian summer homes.
CLASSIC PACKAGING - The Return of Elegance Over Ephemera
The era of candy-colored, plastic-heavy makeup is fading. In its place? A return to timeless, weighty, glass-encased beauty—think Estée Lauder’s golden age, where every product doubled as an object of desire, meant to be displayed long after it was emptied.
Monastery LA understands this—its sculptural, minimalist bottles feel as good in hand as they look on a vanity. Chanel, of course, has always mastered this balance of refinement and function. And soon, even less expensive brands will follow, embracing glass, metal, and lacquered finishes that whisper luxury rather than shout trendiness.
This shift isn’t about nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s about craftsmanship, longevity, and the pleasure of a well-made object. The beauty world is taking cues from the past, not to chase a hipster aesthetic but to reclaim the quiet elegance we remember—an everyday indulgence that lasts beyond the last drop of product.
HANDWRITTEN - A Gesture That Lasts
In an age where messages vanish as quickly as they’re sent, the handwritten note holds a rare kind of permanence. Whether it’s a carefully penned letter, a dedication on the inside cover of a book, or a simple card tucked inside a package, the effort behind it is what makes it meaningful.
There’s something irreplaceable about the weight of ink on paper— It’s a physical trace of someone’s presence, a reminder that they took the time, that they cared. In contrast to the speed of social media, a letter slows things down, making space for reflection, intimacy, and thoughtfulness.
This year, I’m setting my sights on proper stationery—heavy cardstock, engraved monograms, rich envelopes lined in unexpected colors. Because in a world of fleeting digital exchanges, the handwritten note isn’t just a message. It’s a keepsake.
POWER MOVE - The Return of Ecru & White Shoes
There’s an undeniable shift happening underfoot—ecru and white shoes are reclaiming their place in the spotlight. From Toteme to The Row, Carven to Massimo, the clean, refined silhouette is back, and it’s bringing a new kind of sophistication with it.
Gone are the days of chunky sneakers dominating every look. Instead, we’re seeing structured leather, sculptural shapes, and a slightly higher heel making its way onto the scene—just enough lift to elongate without losing that effortless ease. These shoes demand to be styled with intention, and for me, that means power suits and pencil skirts.
Ecru and white are no longer just accessories—they’re statements. And I think they’re here to stay.
DRINK - Petit Marche
Some things don’t need reinvention—tea is one of them. English Breakfast for its sturdy, familiar warmth, Lapsang for its deep, smoky nostalgia. No floral infusions, no trendy blends—just the grounding simplicity of tradition.
Sometimes, you need something that settles you, that reminds you of childhood in the way only scent and taste can. The steam curling from a cup, the weight of porcelain in your hands, the first sip wrapping around you like a well-worn sweater. In a world that constantly pulls us toward the new, the ritual of tea brings us back to what we already know. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
And on particularly grey days, when the light is nonexistent and the world feels muted, I find myself reaching for something citrusy—bitter orange marmalade slathered onto shortbread, a small defiance against the season’s dullness.
I’m eagerly looking forward to writing and sharing the next episode, 'The Art of Marriage.' It’s a subject close to my heart, and I can’t wait to dive into the layers of creativity, compromise, and connection that make it such a unique and timeless journey. Stay tuned—this episode will be out on March 7th, and I’m excited for you to explore it with me.
Best / Julia