The Botterblom Collection by Frances vH Mohair Studio is Now on Auction at Strauss & Co

This February, Strauss & Co have a great lineup of art events in store including the highly anticipated auction of The Botterblom Collection by Frances vH Mohair Studio, walkabouts, social meetings and more. The events run from Monday, 3 February to Friday, 21 February. Here’s what you need to know.

Botterblom Collection by Frances VH Mohair Studio

Botterblom Collection is a new collection of tapestry designs that honour the artistry of traditional techniques while celebrating the creativity of local artisans. This collection of handwoven tapestries, created by the artisans of Frances VH Mohair Studio, offers a heartfelt exploration of heritage, and artistry inspired by the Karoo’s rich landscape and the stories of the community that call it home. fostering a deeper appreciation of craft in a contemporary context.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the collection will be dedicated to establishing a fund that supports women artisans, empowering them in their creative processes and helping pave the way for a sustainable future in their craft.

Woven Legacies

Drawing from the rich tradition of craftsmanship across the African continent, the ‘Woven Legacies’ exhibition highlights diverse modes of craftmaking, from utility and artistic expression to communal connection and storytelling.

The sale features beaded jewellery and African fabrics, including traditional Kuba cloths and Ewe prestige robes, as well as intricately woven baskets from Botswana and Central Africa alongside a selection of contemporary works of; wrought ironworks by local artist Conrad Hicks and handcrafted woven rings by Sharon Botes.

Special events at Strauss & Co this February

Auction Vernissage Preview

The auction house is hosting a Vernissage/Preview of all their upcoming Cape Town auctions. Join for guided overviews of Perspectives on Africa: Modern and Contemporary Art, Woven Legacies: Innovation & Tradition, Prelude to Podlashuc: A Glimpse into the Creative World of Alexander Podlashuc, Botterblom Collection: Mohair Tapestries from the Karoo, and First Words by Suburbia Contemporary x Galerie EIGEN + ART.

Cost: Free entry, please rsvp via this link to save your space

When: Wednesday, 12 February from 6pm
Where: Strauss & Co, Brickfield Canvas, 35 Brickfield Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Galentine’s Breakfast: Celebrating Women in Art

This year, Strauss & Co is reimagining Valentine’s Day with an intimate celebration of the kinship between women. Their Galentine’s Day events shine a light on the incredible contribution of women and non-binary artists in the South African art world.

The event will feature a conversation with Khanyisile Mbongwa, 2025 curator of The Stellenbosch Triennale, Liese van der Watt, curator of ‘We, The People: 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa’ at The Norval Foundation, artist and 2022 winner of The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize Bonolo Kavula and winner of 2023 Investec Cape Town Art FairTomorrow’s/Today Prize, Talia Ramkilawan. Nkgopoleng Moloi, editor of ArtThrob, will moderate the session.

Cost: Free entry, please rsvp via this link to save your space

When: Friday, 14 February from 9:30am
Where: Strauss & Co, Brickfield Canvas, 35 Brickfield Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Brunch, Walkabout and Panel Discussion on Art Collecting and Finance

Keen on learning more about art collecting in 2025? Strauss & Co presents a brunch and walkabout preview of their upcoming Cape Town auctions followed by an interesting panel discussion led by art experts and financial professionals.

This discussion titled ‘The Evolving Role of Collectors: Balancing Financial Investment with Cultural Responsibility in Supporting African Art’ runs in collaboration with the digital magazine, Currency.

Guest speakers include Sarah Buitendach (Award-winning Editor and Journalist, and Founder of Currency), Greer Odile Valley (Curator, Scholar and Researcher at Zeitz MOCAA), Azza Satti (Creative Director and Co-Founder of African Art in Venice Forum, joining via Zoom), Tristanne Farrell (Senior Wealth Manager at Investec), and Guido Giachetti (Collector and Philanthropist).

Cost: Free entry, please rsvp via this link to save your space

When: Saturday, 15 February from 10am for 10:30am
Where: Strauss & Co, Brickfield Canvas, 35 Brickfield Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Brunch, Frances van Hasselt Walkabout and a special screening of the Botterblom documentary

Frances van Hasselt will headline the walkabout focused on two auctions at Strauss & Co, Woven Legacies: Tradition & Innovation and the Botterblom Collection by Frances VH Mohair Studio. Guests can look forward to a guided intro into narratives on the textile and woven works on show.

The viewing will also offer a preview of the other February Auctions, including Modern and Contemporary Art: Perspectives on Africa; Prelude to Podlashuc: A glimpse into the creative world of Alexander Podlashuc & the Suburbia Contemporary and EIGEN + ART Gallerie exhibitions in collaboration with the Investec Cape Town Art Fair.

Cost: Free entry, please rsvp via this link or here to save your space

When: Sunday, 16 February at 10am | Thursday, 20 February at 10am
Where: Strauss & Co, Brickfield Canvas, 35 Brickfield Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Join the official live auction of Perspectives on Africa: Modern and Contemporary Art

Start the evening with complimentary sundowners served from 6pm and mingle with fellow guests and art collectors. The live auction of works will begin at 7pm. The Perspectives of Africa: Modern and Contemporary Art collection is a curated selection of sales, including Prelude to Podlashuc: A Glimpse into the Creative World of Alexander Podlashuc —an artist-focused auction —Woven Legacies: Tradition & Innovation, which highlights a diverse range of materials, techniques, and processes from regions across Southern, Central and Western Africa, showcasing how utility, aesthetics and cultural identity converge and Botterblom Collection by Frances VH Mohair Studio.

The works on show explore the complexity, beauty and fluidity of perspectives through the lens of African art and art made by artists with significant ties to the continent.

Cost: Free entry, please rsvp via this link to save your space

When: Monday, 17 February from 6pm
Where: Strauss & Co, Brickfield Canvas, 35 Brickfield Road, Woodstock, Cape Town