Mid-Century Modernists

PHOTOS: Pieter Vosloo

Creative Joburg has welcomed the arrival of Modernist, a mid century modern furniture boutique at 34 4th Avenue, Parkhurst, on the corner of 12th Street.

Owned by retro wood specialist Gavin Thomas and former ad exec Anikesh Ramani, the shop ads a stylish edge to a suburb known mostly for antiques and some smatterings of contemporary design.

Gavin, a former fashion designer, says he lost interest in that business when Chinese merchandise moved in. A long-time lover of 50s retro, he made it his new profession and now plans to go into furniture design too.

Anikesh, a former client of Gavin’s, is following his dream of leaving the advertising trade to pursue his real passion – that of 50s design. Both owners are lovers of the clean, elegant lines of the 50s wooden furniture; no kitsch, chrome or perspex here.

A mahogany display wall is the perfect storage space for headboards, sideboards and chairs, and the floor is filled with understated 50s elegance. Look out, too, for a regular supply of classic bikes – there’s currently a matt black 50s Triumph motorbike in the window.

More information: Anikesh Ramani: 082 903 6886, Gavin Thomas: 076 871 8240, info@modernist.biz, www.modernist.biz