
The Ustinov Family
In only two generations, the Ustinov and Benois families (the latter, Sir Peter's maternal side) brought forth over 40 artists, including actors, sculptors, composers, architects; or stage designers. Their roots can be traced back to England, Russia and France, but also to Ethiopia, Italy, today's Israel and Germany. With this multicultural family heritage, cosmopolitanism and the need for artistic expression, one can almost speak of an artistic gene running through their veins. Even a separate wing in the Peterhof Museum in St. Petersburg is dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Benois family.