Cape Grace tea and art

Beautifully curated and recently completed, the contemporary art and design collection at the Cape Grace Hotel is exceptional. This special afternoon, guided by me (Kate), offers a rare opportunity to engage with the collection and enjoy one of the best fine dining teas in town. Our tour includes exclusive access to areas not normally open to the public, and insights about the art.

Starting with sparkling wine, our tea is a combination of a delicate lunch and tea – not too sweet or too much – small delicate and very fresh sandwiches, savouries, scones, and cakes (gluten-free and vegetarian options are available). In between the savoury and sweet courses, we’ll visit a different part of the collection.

Lezanne Van Heerden, the highly respected art and design consultant, very carefully thought it all through, meticulously and lovingly researching, sourcing, then placing the artworks throughout. She was commissioned when the hotel was closed during Covid. She is still involved, but has moved onto new projects.

Beginning at 14h00, the event will include a leisurely tea and guided exploration of the hotel’s art collection. While the afternoon concludes at 17h00, guests are welcome to linger.

This special event, called T’art, is a first.

The group will be very small; eight people maximum.

We’re hoping one of the artists will join us.

Paying before 19 May R900 per person; R1 450 for two places (includes gratuity), otherwise R1 200 per person, R2 000 for two places.

More art info below

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

Dietary requirements eg gluten-free and vegan, please share when booking (there will be no pork or beef).

Thursday 22 May 2025

14h00 to 17h00

Cape Grace, a Fairmont managed hotel

West Quay Road

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Cape Town, 8001

R900 early bird payment pre 19 May; R1 450 for two places, otherwise R1 200 per person, R2 000 for two places; includes gratuity

The art in the main public spaces and special suite take their cue from two centrepiece textile works by the Keiskamma Art Project. These artworks are inspired by local plants and flowers, and were the first pieces bought by the hotel investors.

Artworks in the reception areas and adjoining corridors are abstract, in keeping with the design of the interior. The hotel commissioned 1508 London Design Studio to redesign the interiors, and this was part of Lezanne’s brief from the Studio.

The hotel was closed for renovations between May 2023 – May 2024 during which time it became a branded Fairmont property.

In the Library there are a small number of traditional, figurative and small-scale works grouped on the far wall. These are from hotel’s original collection – historic prints of local birds and landscapes.

Lezanne’s selection of magazines and books for the Library has been as carefully curated as the art itself. A highlight is Paul Edmunds’ small bronze sculpture, Hermes (I Think), 2021, of the rare Table Mountain caracal.

Bascule Bar downstairs has figurative, smaller artworks acquired after the hotel’s reopening. The hope is that they spark conversation and encourage closer inspection through their rich, tactile use of materials.

The Cape Grace Suite, the hotel’s most prestigious suite, proudly highlights the work of South African women artists.

Lezanne’s selection from the prestigious Norval Foundation collection complements the permanent collection, particularly with more sculptural work. Pieces can be found in all public areas.

Artwoks in the bathrooms, bedrooms, spa and upstairs corridors include beautifully crafted, locally made prints, ceramics and basketwork.

Artists and designers in the Cape Grace’s collection

Ade Adesina  || Aviwe Plaatjie  || Banele Khoza  || Bekezela Mabena  || Benjamin Stanwix  || Cathy Abraham  || Chuma Maweni  || Cinthia Sifa Mulanga  || Colbert Mashile  || Dathini Mzayiya  || Erin Chaplin  || Fikile Mqhayi  || Galia Gluckman  || Hanna Noor Mahomed  || Imraan Christian  || Jeanne Hoffman  || Jody Paulsen  || Kasteel  || Keiskamma Art Project  || KSSO Editions  || Lady Skollie  || Lakin Ogunbanwo  || Laurinda Belcher  || Leila Abrahams  || Louise Gelderblom  || Lulama Wolf  || Lungiswa Joe  || Maja Marx  || Mark Rautenbach  || Mbuso Hlongwa  || Meshack Tembani  || Nabeeha Mohamed  || Paul Edmunds  || Quazi Design  || Sthenjwa Luthuli  || Sylvester Zanoxolo Mqeku  || Tafadzwa Masudi  || Tafadzwa Tega  || Talia Ramkilawan  || Terence Maluleke  || Teresa Kutala Firmino  || Thabo Modillane  || Tshepiso Moropa  || Tusevo Landu  || Vorster & Braye  || Warren Maroon  || Wezile Harmans  || Zarah Cassim  || Zizipho Poswa  || Zolani Siphungela

Norval Foundation artists at the Cape Grace

Al Hassan Issah  || Cassi Namoda  || Dada Khanyisa  || Gregory Olympio  || Jeanne Hoffman  || Nandipha Mntambo  || Nicholas Hlobo  || Sthenjwa Luthuli  || Thania Peterson  || Walter Oltmann  || Zanele Muholi

_{Images with me in by Alex Nel.  Galia Gluckman’s Sunset || Keiskamma Art Trust – Textile Embroidery || Ou Kaapi by Thania Peterson, 2021 || Instar 1 by Walter Oltmann, 2023 || Nicholas Hlobo’s IZANDLA ZEKUMKANI, 2020 || From the hotel’s website: Sthenjwa Luthuli – A Way Out, 2021 || Library (spot the historic prints through the book shelves) || Bascule Bar (with the lower part of Jody Paulsen’s work || sitting area by concierge showing part of Leila Abrahams’ work || a staff member passing one of the Norval’s works || Spa showing abstract prints}