The third day in Johannesburg saw the launch of the Rooms on View show to dealers and designers and again I was blown away by the number of bloggers who came up to me and said that they love this blog and read it. (Thank you, to all of you!) And so many people were complimentary of my work. It was really touching.
While walking around all the different displays I found many things that tempted me, in particular this amazing sculptural chaise by South African designer Haldane Martin that I immediately decided to use in a project for one of my clients. And yes, I bought one for myself too. Trust me, it looks like a Henry Moore sculpture. It’s called the Baba Papa – how great is this?
That evening we had dinner hosted by Home Fabrics, one of South Africa’s largest fabric provider at this old turbine building in the downtown area called Turbine Hall, right over the Nelson Mandela bridge. The old building had been restored and is now used as a restaurant and entertaining space. We sat at a beautiful table designed by event planner Rudie Stoop and this evening was, again, superb with great food and approximately 40 people. Wonderful evening of good SA wine, great lamb chops and the cream of the South African design crop.
My lecture that afternoon was attended by approximately 300 people and it was a really fun experience. Ninety percent were designers and they all were very open with their questions and I certainly was with my answers, sharing billing and how we work in NY and what problems we are facing. What always fascinates me is that when I say that I have problematic clients everyone thinks that because you’re published you should have no problems, only easy clients with enormous budgets! This unfortunately is not the case. It was fun sharing that with them and they were very content to hear that it doesn’t matter how high you go on the ladder, you still get beaten up!
#1 by Gary Nelling on June 15, 2010 - 4:39 am
I must admit that I haven’t paid close attention to the news from South Africa since the days when Nelson Mandela was released from prison and apartheid began unraveling. At the time I listened to a lot of wonderful South African vocalists like Miriam Makeba, (who I saw perform live once opening for the Kingston Trio when I was in 8th grade!), Ladysmith Black Mambazo and personal favorites the Mahotella Queens. South African music is both related to and distinctly different from African American music. And it appears that South African designers offer some unique spaces and furniture as well. I really like Stephen Falcke’s interiors and Haldane Martin’s furniture. Thank you for the introduction to their work. I hope your talks are broadcast soon. – Gary
PS You might enjoy hearing a song by the Mahotella Queens – Umculo Kawupheli (Our Music Never Will End) 1974
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWFOLyjqb28&NR=1
#2 by Richard, England. on June 15, 2010 - 8:20 am
No comments about the chaise? A little outre for some maybe. Is it comfortable Vicente?
#3 by Vicente on June 16, 2010 - 4:45 pm
Richard, it’s not like lying on a down mattress, but I am willing to give up some comfort for the visual pleasure it gives me! I’ve sold it to two clients since I’ve gotten back and they’re both so excited about having a beautiful and functional sculpture in their home.
#4 by Elza on July 2, 2010 - 8:05 am
Just to add to Turbine hall (and thank you for the link to our venue) that turbine hall was in fact the first coal fired power station in Johannesburg. The building is also a national heritage site, thus when renovations took place the venue had to be kept in its original architectural structure.
Anyone is welcome for a site visit to turbine hall.
Regards