The Cape Chair

We collect Africana and when I had the opportunity to buy “the cape chair/die kaapse stoel” I jumped at it. This is the illustrated edition of the catalogue of an exhibition held in the Stellenbosch Museum in April 1969, compiled by Dr Hans Fransen.

This book nearly completes our collection on Cape furniture. Dr Hans Fransen signed my copy at his recent lecture on Baroque at the Cape that he presented to the Vernacular Architecture Society of South Africa.

He told me how he put the exhibition together by collecting the chairs from all the contributors with his Volkswagen Beetle. Sometimes fitting up to six chairs at a time in the little car.

Apart from collecting books we also collect Cape country furniture to complement the character of the house. In order to be more informed we are constantly looking for more information about the subject of our interest.

Over the years we could learn a great deal about Cape furniture from other enthusiasts like Paul Roux from Ashton.

We have collected some pieces that for us are more like works of art.

Corner Chair with caned seat and plain box stretcher. 18th C 

Neo-Classical chair with three quarter box stretcher and "riempie" seat. Early 19th C

Regency chair with caned seat and twin rail back. Mid 19th C 

Late Regency Armchair, Robertson. 19th C

                                                    

Regency chair with "bowtie" back rail. Swellendam Mid 19th C

The Cape Chair by Dr Hans Fransen

At 84, Dr Hans Fransen has recently published his latest book, "Cape Baroque and the contribution of Anton Anreith". It is a real treat to listen to his informed lectures and I wish him all the best and look forward to his next publication.