Strauss & Co’s South African Design, Past & Present – running until 26 June – is an exquisite showcase featuring a curated selection of furniture, metalware and ceramic art that bridges historical and contemporary design practices. The items selected for this sale offer a taste of design that reflects the diverse influences, materials and forms shaping creative expression in SA. The selection also provides tangible evidence of the innovation and diversity of artisanal excellence, deeply rooted in a knowledge of social, cultural and environmental influences.
Notable pieces include beautifully proportioned hand-crafted items of furniture. From the solid presence of the traditional beefwood armoire with its hammered escutcheons, to the gorgeously worn yellowwood meelkist and gate-leg table, each piece tells a story. Gregor Jenkin’s laser-cut, blued-steel Kaapentry dining table showcases how tradition and utilitarian design can translate into objects of exceptional beauty.
The elegance and gravitas of his design imagines a narrative both old and new. This strong sense of art and design, entwined with living narratives, is evident in each piece – such as the beautifully sculpted Rooiels Botterbak and the codified initials around the handle of the Boer War Willow walking stick. ALSO READ: Storage warehouses up for sale Wiid Design features prominently in this sale, with a number of benches showcasing successful collaborations with artists.
The Curiosity Bench 5 with Antho.