ART CONSULTANT, HUMANITARIAN AND DESCENDANT OF STATESMEN: SYLVIA PESSOA BOURNE

OPENS THE DOORS TO HER LONDON HOME, AN INSPIRING AND HARMONIOUS MIX OF HISTORY AND ARTISTIC VISION

- NANA BOTTAZZI

Sylvia Pessoa Bourne is the great-granddaughter of Epitácio Pessoa, President of Brazil from 1919 to 1922. Her father, Carlos Alberto Pessoa Pardellas, was a prominent diplomat who served as ambassador to the UK as well as to Iran, China, Costa Rica, Bulgaria and Belgium.

Sylvia herself is based in Monaco, but spends much of her time in London. She is a passionate art collector, as we see when she opens the doors of her home in the capital.

The historic building, situated on a small, quiet street, was once where convicts were summoned to be sent to Australia. In essence — and despite a fair sprinkling of celebrity neighbours — the house still looks like something from another era. And as you step through the door, the majesty of the space and the large windows give a glimpse into its solemn past. But the modern elements that Sylvia has added ensure that it is more than a pleasant museum: it is a home.

Her magnificent art collection ranges from finds picked up during her family’s travels, to iconic pieces by great international artists. Video installations, 3D works of art and Greek and Roman antiquities are all part of the mix. This eclecticism is a reflection of Sylvia herself. A multilingual citizen of the world, she’s an exuberant blend of energy and passion — as we find out when we sit down to chat to her.

Sylvia, what can you tell us about your background?
My father’s parents died when he was very young, just 14, and he had to look after the family business in Brazil. Later, he decided to become a diplomat. His first posting was to Washington DC. We moved there when my sister and I were just over a year old, and my younger sister was born there.