KATHARINA HEROLD
An art consultant that takes space and transcends interiors beyond decorative.
OPEN YOUR HORIZON AND GO BEYOND.
Women depicted in art have always inspired Katharina, she saw strength in the women's stories, their work spoke to her not only of a women’s value but ultimately recognising their importance in the history of art. Their undeniable beauty transcended through their work just like the women in her family that surround her life today that have greatly influenced her own personal style.
Growing up as the daughter of a renowned gallerist, art was integrally woven into everyday life. From running her family’s business to styling and creating her own jewellery line inspired by a brooch her grandmother and mother wore, Katharina’s sensibility runs deep with a family heritage.
After receiving her bachelor's and master's degree in history of art at the University College of London, she went on to work in some of the most prestigious names in art. Christie’s auction house in London, Mallett Antique dealers, and Masterpiece Art Fair.
Through her work in the art world, it was a natural transition that she launched her passion project curating exhibitions combining art with unique interior items and curious antique objects to set about creating unique personal spaces.
The Heroldian Journal - a recent addition to The Heroldian Art Concept is a captivating magazine dedicated to a visual story of being at home with art. It explores the pleasure one can get from their own art collection and how it adds to your quality of life.
Katharina travelled with us in November 2019, sitting together on our way back into Hanoi we shared stories of our lives beyond the retreat. We are very happy for Katharina and the work she has devoted to the magazine - what an inspiration to see this project unfold. Undoubtedly we are eagerly looking forward to seeing her much-anticipated jewellery collection inspired by the local tribes of Sa Pa.
Scroll down to read her thoughts on slow travel, art, and more.
Q1. Tell us a little about yourself: What is your background and what inspires you to create.
I am half Scottish, half German. I grew up in Germany and moved to the UK when I was 16. I studied History of Art in London and during the process of writing my master thesis I started crafting jewellery from antique findings. I spent a decade in the UK and moved back to Germany for a job in an auction house. I ran my own art gallery for four years as part of my family business and have been doing freelance interior styling jobs for Christie‘s. I launched my own business, Heroldian Art Concepts this year - an art consultancy specialising in private and commercial interior spaces.
Q2. What kind of traveller are you?
I would say I am a very spontaneous traveller. My favourite thing is to jump in the car and drive off. Despite being half German I am not very good at planning in advance so I usually decide on a whim.
Q3. Have you ever travelled solo? What tips would you give to a first-time solo traveller?
I have travelled solo many times and I love travelling solo. One of the tips my mum gave me was to seek out bar stools in restaurants. This way I have met so many interesting people that would also sit at the bar on their own. And if there isn’t anyone else sitting at the bar, then there is always the bartender... another tip is to trust your instincts, especially as a woman, in case you don’t feel safe immediately change the situation.
Q4. Where have you travelled to this past year? / Which travel destination has left you with the most memorable experience?
Last year I did two very memorable trips that will leave a lasting impression for life. One of them was to Provence where I did a photography retreat with Ruth Ribeaucourt and met so many other inspiring and talented women. It’s hard to describe the magic that surrounded us in a sea of lavender fields for those days.
Another memorable trip was our TextileSeekers journey to Vietnam. It was my first time in Asia and I was absolutely taken aback from the beauty of the country but also of the people we met. The kindness and calmness of the women in the mountains were very humbling. I absolutely loved learning about the craft of textiles. What I also enjoyed was being in a place where western ideas don’t apply, such as planning and time schedules.
Q5. The emphasis on working with women sends such a positive message. Who are the female figures whom you admire?
I find this a hard question, there are so many. Since I am an art historian I love to read about female figures in art. They’ve had such a difficult time to make a name for themselves and I am so happy that there seems to be a real shift in that today. Of course the women in my family have shaped me, my mum is my best friend and an incredible support and inspiration.
In 2014 I dedicated a jewellery collection to my mother and her mother The Collar Collection. The idea came to me after looking at numerous pictures of my grandmother always wearing a brooch to fasten her collar and I realized my mother did the same. So I started thinking about brooches and how they are not as popular anymore. I went out to seek some fine examples of brooches and repurposed them as pendants for short necklaces that sat right under the collar.
Q6. How is slow travel different from the usual way of travelling?
I guess you immerse more in the culture of your travel destination, delving into the tradition and history through the inhabitants.
Q7. As an entrepreneur, how do you focus on wellness in your life?
The balancing act is super important. For me, that includes just the right amount of exercise, delicious food, family time, and nature. Of course, some days are better than others, but in general, I like to start the day with a little bit of exercise and a healthy, yet large breakfast.
Q8. Who do you think should come on this trip? And what would one hope to take away from this tour with TextileSeekers?
Anyone that is interested in handicrafts, textiles, culture, female empowerment, and well-being.
Q9. Do you have one or two all-time favourite fashion pieces? Do you have a favourite designer/artist?
I have always been a bit of a hunter for vintage items, especially one of a kind jackets or blazers. When I was 13 there was a vintage store near my school where my friends and I would hang out for a bit after lessons. It was called Endless Summer like the surf movie from the 60s. After saving up my pocket money I bought a vintage leather blazer in maroon, which I still wear today! The Dutch fashion designer Jeanne de Kroon with her brand ZAZI is incredibly inspiring and tells the story of women and textile craft in a beautifully honest manner.
Q10. What are you reading now?
I recently read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s my boyfriend‘s favourite book. By the end, I was crying and it made me feel a bit closer to him. I can highly recommend reading a friend‘s favourite book.