The Botterblom Collection: A Tapestry of Heritage and Craftsmanship
Strauss & Co is set to unveil the Botterblom Collection by Frances vH Mohair Studio in a highly anticipated auction, running from Monday, 3 February to Friday, 21 February 2025. This exceptional online auction presents an exquisite selection of handwoven tapestries, each a testament to the rich cultural legacy and artistry that defines South Africa’s Karoo region.
The Botterblom Collection is not just a display of finely crafted tapestries; it is a heartfelt tribute to the artisans who breathe life into traditional techniques, drawing deep inspiration from the landscape of the Karoo and the community that thrives within it. The pieces evoke the spirit of this land, its people, and the stories woven into its fabric - both literally and metaphorically.
The collection is being presented in conjunction with the second edition of Woven Legacies: Celebrating African Artistry. This annual auction showcases the evolution of artisanal craftsmanship across Africa, highlighting the diversity of material culture, from intricate beadwork to functional art. Through the Botterblom Collection, the rich history of African craftsmanship is celebrated, while simultaneously embracing the innovative spirit of contemporary artists.
A portion of the proceeds from the auction will be dedicated to a fund that supports women artisans, empowering them to enhance their creative practices and paving the way for a sustainable future in the craft industry. This initiative aligns with the overarching mission of the Woven Legacies auction: to foster a greater appreciation of African craft in its many forms while championing the growth and recognition of local artisans.
The Botterblom Collection is a part of a broader narrative that spans the continent, drawing connections between functional craft and artistic expression. It’s a rich tapestry of culture that blends the practical and the beautiful, telling stories through every knot and thread. The sale includes works from a wide array of African artistic traditions, from traditional Kuba cloths and Ewe prestige robes to intricately woven baskets from Botswana and Central Africa. These are complemented by contemporary pieces such as wrought ironworks by local artist Conrad Hicks and handcrafted woven rings by Sharon Botes. Each piece in the sale is a visual narrative, a material expression of African history, identity, and creativity.
Collectors and art lovers are invited to view the Woven Legacies exhibition, which will be on display at Strauss & Co’s Woodstock offices in Cape Town starting 4 February 2025. For those who wish to delve deeper into the stories behind these extraordinary pieces, a series of events will accompany the auction. A walkabout with Frances van Hasselt, the founder of Frances vH Mohair Studio, will be held on Sunday, 16 February 2025 at 10 a.m., offering a unique insight into the creation of the Botterblom Collection. A screening of a film documenting the making of the collection will follow, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the labour of love and skill that goes into each tapestry. A second screening of the film will take place on Thursday, 20 February, at 10 a.m.
This auction is more than an opportunity to acquire beautifully crafted pieces; it’s a chance to participate in a larger narrative - one that celebrates the craft, the culture, and the women artisans who continue to shape the future of African artistry. As we weave together past and present, the Botterblom Collection invites us to reflect on the enduring power of heritage and craftsmanship in our modern world.
For those interested in viewing and bidding, the Botterblom Collection will be available online from 3 February 2025, with the auction closing on 21 February 2025.