Retail in architectural detail

The range and calibre of retail architecture is wide and generally underappreciated in Cape Town’s city centre.  Architects include Harrods of London’s designer, Louis Blanc, to Cape Town’s pioneering modernist, Max Policansky.

This tour is led by Brett McDougall. His retailing career includes senior positions at Massmart, Builders Warehouse and SPAR. Brett is passionate about South African architectural history. He received the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation life time award. He now chairs Muizenberg Heritage.

Brett has researched fascinating facts and stories; he has great observations and reflections.  Eccentric retailers, intergenerational enterprises, ”facade-ism”, mega businesses, market stalls and how shopping has changed.  Some of us may recall our grandmothers putting on their best (including gloves), driving to the local station in the suburbs and going to the department stores with purchases hand delivered later in the day.

Brett published with architect Shaun Gaylard, RSA365 – Drawings of South African Architecture. Brett researched and wrote most of the text accompanying Shaun’s 365 drawings. (He will bring the book to sell and personalise, to the tour.)

With the recent purchase of Golden Acre and its proposed redevelopment, is Adderley Street set for a much needed revival?

Join us to see and enjoy Cape Town’s centre in a new way.

Cost: R400 per person (or R300 paying before 10 November) including an illustrated info pack

To book: kate@cultureconnectsa.com +27 (0)72 377 8014

This walking tour starts at:

Picbel cafe (part of the Felix parkade Mall, entrance 58 Strand Street)PS

Waterkant Street (just up from Adderley Street)

Cape Town, 8000

It will finish nearby at the Flower Market, Trafalgar Place, off Adderley Street.

Do join us for a light lunch at Labotessa, at your own expense.

First image: Andrew Willie collection on Pinterest, photographer unknown, circa 1920