Fresh talent: Woltemade

PHOTOS Francois Rey from Monday Design WORDS Chantél Hans

Still celebrating Youth Month, our next Fresh Talent profile is about the furniture designing couple behind Woltemade, Johan and Lené Botha.

Isn’t this voluptuous, smoky Vonk light simply gorgeous? It is the result of a simple experiment between renowned glass blower David Reade, and designers Johan and Lené Botha, better known as Woltemade.

Having originally met in an Asian bar in Johannesburg, the couple relocated to the Mother City and haven’t looked back. In fact, the very name Woltemade was chosen for the heritage link to Cape Town and sailing boats.

Johan is qualified in industrial design and, more recently, boat design, and Lené is a qualified interior designer. When asked about how they came to establish a design studio, Johan mentions that it just happened to be their common ground, and that both of them are intrigued by simple design solutions and details.

“We see design as a lifestyle, as exploring various avenues to fulfil and express our passion, and to add value to everyday life,” he says. This is the secret to the success they’ve achieved in just two years.

The work is best described as simplified elegance and the new range includes a glass floor lamp, bronze mirror, tables and ceramics. We can’t wait!

FAST FACT 
Dairy farmer Wolraad Woltemade and his horse, Vonk, were the heroes who died while rescuing sailors from the shipwrecked De Jonge Thomas in Table Bay in 1773.

woltemade.co.za

Celebrate Youth Month with us and browse more of our Fresh Talent profiles here.