Love

“Zinochka shared my passion and walked with me through my whole life hand in hand. I must say that in creation of my collection I owe almost everything to her and am forever grateful to my wife ”(from a conversation between George Costakis and Peter Roberts).

They met when both were barely 19 years old and got married the same year. Zinaida Costakis was a true Russian beauty - this can be seen in her photographic and pictorial portraits. It is known that she was invited to play in the movies, but never accepted. She was a lovely singer, had a wonderful soprano vocal range. Zinaida Semyonovna sacrificed her career for her husband and family - thanks to her, Costakis’ house was famous for being one of the most hospitable places in Moscow.

George Costakis carried his love for his wife through his whole life: he admired her, was jealous of her, shared the most intimate with her. She, in turn, unconditionally supported her husband in all his endeavours, especially when it concerned his all-consuming passion - collecting.