Iziko: Rust en Vreugd

Introduction

If you’re a lover of history and art, Rust en Vreugd is a must-visit destination in Cape Town. This historic house was originally built in the late 18th century and has undergone numerous transformations over the years, serving as a home, a college, and a gallery space. Today, it houses the William Fehr Collection of works of art on paper, which is a testament to the vibrant artistic culture of South Africa.

About the Museum

Rust en Vreugd was built as a home for Willem Cornelis Boers, a high-ranking official of the VOC (Dutch East India Company), around 1777-1778. The house was located on Cape Town’s outer limits, in the transitional area between town and the larger market garden farms of the upper part of the city. After Boers, the property was passed on to several other private citizens before it was eventually bought by the Dutch Reformed Church in 1878. It then served as a teachers’ training college, before becoming the Cape Town High School from 1925-1957.

In the early 1960s, Rust en Vreugd underwent a restoration and was converted into a gallery space. A second restoration took place in 1993, with the most recent addition being disabled access facilities. Today, the gallery showcases the William Fehr Collection of works of art on paper, which includes watercolors, prints, and drawings. The collection was donated by William Fehr, a businessman and art collector, to the people of South Africa in 1965. Due to the sensitive nature of the works, only a selection of pieces is on exhibition.

Interesting Facts

• The name “Rust en Vreugd” means “Rest and Joy” in Dutch.
• The house is located on Buitenkant Street, which derives its name from the fact that it was built on the outer limits of Cape Town.
• The gallery houses over 4000 works of art on paper, with the oldest piece dating back to the 16th century.
• Some of the highlights of the collection include works by South African artists such as Irma Stern and Walter Battiss.
• The gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year, showcasing contemporary South African art and design.

Physical Location

Conclusion

Rust en Vreugd is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in South Africa’s rich cultural heritage. From its origins as a private residence to its current incarnation as a gallery space, the house has played an important role in Cape Town’s history. The William Fehr Collection of works of art on paper is a highlight of the gallery and provides a window into South Africa’s vibrant artistic culture. So why not plan a visit to Rust en Vreugd on your next trip to Cape Town? You won’t be disappointed.