She studied Philosophy, at University College, London, (BA Hons), received Diploma in Journalism from the London School of Journalism and a PhD in History of Art from Bristol University. 

 

Work experience includes a short period at the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1973-75) and two years the Press and Information Office in Greece with special assignment to the Presidency (1975-77), running her own antiques business (1977-2000) and representing Sotheby’s in Cyprus and Greece (1987-1999).  She is the co-founder and executive director of the Costas and Rita Severis Foundation, a non-profit organisation for the promotion of culture and peaceful coexistence. She lectures widely on art and travel pertaining to Cyprus and is the author and co-author of over 14 books on Cyprus and a large number of articles.

 

Rita Severis was awarded a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by the U. S. House of Representatives, (2001) was decorated by the French Government Chevalier dans l’ Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2007) by the King of Sweden with the Polar Star in 2010 and by the Government of Italy Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia, in 2021.