There are few cities that reward curiosity quite like London. Between gallery openings, long lunches in the sun and chance encounters with creativity at every turn, the city has a way of turning everyday moments into lasting inspiration.
For jeweller Olivia Bond, a recent visit centred around the Serpentine Summer Party became just that: a celebration of art, individuality and the small details that linger long after the journey ends. From walking through Hyde Park to discovering David Hockney through the eyes of Hans Ulrich Obrist, Bond shares the places, moments and memories she’d send home if she could fit London onto a postcard.
If London could only be remembered through three moments from this trip, what would make it onto your postcard?
Walking into the 2012 Ai Wei Wei Serpentine Pavilion, which is now installed on the Mittal’s estate in Surrey. Sitting outside at the River Café in the London sunshine, eating the most exquisite almond tart with strawberries. Walking through Hyde Park – it’s always the first thing I do when I arrive in London, and it brings me immense joy.
The Serpentine Summer Party always feels like a meeting point for art, fashion and culture. What was one moment that surprised or inspired you most?
The Summer Party had the most incredible vibe. The party itself is over quite a large area of the park, and there were different performances and entertainment dotted around unexpectedly. You might just find yourself suddenly amongst a group of Indian dohl players, for example. The food from Laila Gohar was created to surprise and delight. Her homage to this year’s brick pavilion by Lanza studio was chocolate cake in brick form, it was sensational. There were a wide range of incredible outfits from guests. I have always liked how in London, people don’t dress for other’s expectations but rather for themselves and to express their own individualism.
Beyond the party itself, was there a work of art, exhibition or corner of the Serpentine Gallery that stayed with you?
It was an immense privilege to by guided around the David Hockney exhibition by expert curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, only a week after Hockney’s passing. Hans Ulrich’s depth and breadth of knowledge and personal interactions with Hockney enriched the experience so much. How incredible that he was still producing these works so late in his life.
Jewellery has a way of collecting memories. Was there a piece you wore – or noticed on someone else – that suddenly took on a new meaning over the course of the trip?
I made some scallop diamond drop earrings to wear especially to the Summer Party. When I put them on, I felt instantly more elevated. There’s something about the movement of a drop earring as you walk that just makes you feel impossibly glamourous. Perfect for a night out. i noticed a lot of colourful and sculptural jewels at the party, many of the guest’s used jewellery as wearable art, and as a way of acknowledging the ‘Summer Cocktail’ dress code. Interesting how a bright beaded necklace, for example, can completely change the mood of an outfit.
Did anything you saw in London spark ideas for your jewellery or creative process?
I am constantly reading and processing the style of both jewellery and clothing in every crowd! London street style is just wonderful for inspiration. I love to examine not just what they wear, but the way they wear pieces, and the setting and context in which they wear their pieces. Real people going about their daily lives is always the biggest inspiration for me. After all, that is what I want for my clients, to have jewellery that goes with them and brings them joy through their everyday.
What’s one London discovery – a gallery, café, shop or street – you’d recommend to anyone visiting?
My friend Tamsin and I did a backstage tour of the National Theatre, which was so fascinating. The brutalist building itself is a wonderful, however it is so impressive and surprising the way that it houses absolutely everything from the play writing to the production of all of the props, sets and costumes on site. (To the point that it even has a natural dye garden on the roof for the costumes!)
What’s something you packed for the trip that you couldn’t have done without?
Comfortable walking shoes for the 20,000 steps we did each day, and Rationale facial spritz to refresh in the incredible heatwave we experienced.
Finish this postcard: “Wish you were here because…”
“Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it.” – Ai Wei Wei
