An antiquarian collection was the catalyst for a collaborative art installation that involves rare books, storytelling, beautiful photographs and a stunning bookcase.

This is the story of a rare collection comprising thousands of documents, prints, artworks, and books, books and more books. And intertwined with it is a story of love, heartache and a bunch of creative people, among them a one-of-a-kind photographer and a brilliant cabinetmaker.

Once upon a time, around 1904, a man who sold Singer sewing machines, Frank R Thorold, established Thorolds Bookshop in Johannesburg. After his death, Robin Fryde, an authority on Africana, took over the collection and grew it into an antiquarian treasure trove. And after his passing, a collector named Neillen van Kraayenburg bought it and moved everything to his farm in Kya Sands.

Neillen, the partner of well-known photographer Merwelene van der Merwe, died unexpectedly in 2015, so she became the custodian of this precious collection on Thorolds Book Farm. Together with her sisters, Hannalie Bruwer en Vanya Matania, Merwelene has been handling, opening, exploring, assessing and considering these treasures. And so, with input from Juanita Køtzé, aka The Rare Librarian, the books have led to new expressions in an artistic collaboration involving Thorolds, The Rare Library and various artists.

One of these artists is furniture designer David Krynauw, who designed and built a bookcase out of solid walnut for exhibiting 31 books dating from 1590 to 1740 on the topics of the law and jurisprudence. It is the first piece in his new Heritage range.

Furniture designer David Krynauw; his muse, Jasmyn Pretorius; his dogs, Kaptein and Rankie; and the bookcase made out of solid walnut.

His affinity for Cape Dutch furniture is reflected in this modern interpretation of an armoire, an amazing artwork to complete the installation Vertoonkas, which was performed at the Woordfees in Stellenbosch in March.

The rare-book installation is for sale for R450 000 – call 082 414 9829. Visit the klyntji.com to see a series of photo and video narratives that formed part of Vertoonkas.

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White needn’t be cold or boring. Here are 7 spaces that use white with dark wood, black or neutrals to create inviting spaces.

1. All White Now

The McGowan’s farmhouse just outside Calitzdorp in the Western Cape got the white treatment. Walls, old furniture, the bath, an old coal stove… nothing was spared. It was an ugly-ish house, and white is very forgiving, hence the colour overload, explains owner, Trevyn.

trevyn@source-sa.com

2. Blank Canvas

The Nirox residency, 40km outside Johannesburg, offers local and international artists a space to create, connect and exchange ideas and experiences. It’s a space for artists to relax, unwind, muse. The only distraction: a crackling fire and views over landscaped gardens, lawns and wetlands.

niroxarts.com

3. Bird’s Nest

Ostrich-egg lights take centre stage in the McGowan’s mostly white bedroom in their mostly white farmhouse, Pear Tree Farm, outside Calitzdorp. White sheepskin rugs on the off-white tiled floor provide subtle warmth underfoot.

trevyn@source-sa.com

4. White on White

A variety of textures in this all-white playroom provides subtle nuances and breaks the one-dimensional look. A bookcase and a collection of old chairs provide an eclectic mix of shapes and forms jotted around the table.

trevyn@source-sa.com

5. Simply Sorted

While enjoying views across the majestic Maluti mountains from their Ladybrand home in the Eastern Fee State, Werner and Philippa du Toit run their handmade ceramics business, Mud Studio. Stacked here in a wooden rack is a collection of their work and, in front, on the old sandstone fireplace, perch bowls and jugs of distinction.

mudstudio.net

6. White Wash

Inspired by an American barn, a corrugated Free State home in Clarens has a midwestern antique theme running through all its spaces, even the bathroom. The chrome was stripped off the taps and spout for an authentic-looking, old-world appearance. The custom-built basin completes the look.

Carlo di Mezza 082 373 1428

7. Daydreaming

The uncomplicated hand of Californian architect Jim Jennings is evident in this space, where air and light take precedence over clutter. For this simple, corrugated home in the Napa Valley between the towns Calistoga and Santa Rosa, Jim drew from the surrounding landscape for design and materials inspiration.

jimjenningsarchitecture.com

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Looking for a modern shelving option to freshen up your space? Here’s 6 contemporary choices of all shapes and sizes you should definitely keep in mind.

1. Stacking Shelves R899.99, Mr Price Home

2. Elegant Magazine Shelf R1 699, @home

3. Frama Bookshelf R15 819, Simpli Decor at Hello Pretty

4. Hexagon Shelf Set of 3 R699, B&K Design and Decor at Superbalist.com

5. Teak Minimalist Bookrack (3 Shelves) R6 995, Weylandts

And if you prefer something bigger and slightly more traditional…

6. Jefferson Bookshelf R46 996, Block & Chisel

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But the unit is really ideally suited for the home. Its innovative, rotating construction allows it to be used as a space divider, a TV unit or a shelf to showcase products. Other configurations range from a compact home-office space to a versatile hospitality server in corporate pause areas.

Ruotare, the product of a collaboration between C.O. Designs and Chrome Cherry, is manufactured from Hollowcore – a lightweight, 100% recyclable raw material that can replace solid wood and particle board in furniture products. Hollowcore consists of a recycled cardboard honeycomb core that’s five times lighter than solid wood material. 

Your Ruotare Unit can be finished in a choice of colour schemes, with the price ranging from R20,000 – R30,000 (excl. VAT), depending on configuration and shipment.

C.O. Designs: (021) 534 1530, clients@codesigns.co.za, www.codesigns.co.za

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Fabio explains that his generation has always had a robot as playmate. “I needed to find a new function to justify its presence next to my desk.”

His striking, functional household hero features ample storage space and a bright-red heart – a pre-digital “hard drive” where you can “store” your memory.

The Robox bookcase comes in grey and white, and measures 78cm x 31cm x 184cm.

More information: www.fabionovembre.it

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