Have you ever wondered how decorators come up with the inspiration for their interiors? Here’s an insider look at the thought process behind some of Cape Grace’s stunning suites…
Sparrman Suite: Between 1772 and 1775, Swedish Naturalist, Anders Sparrman, travelled throughout the Cape and recorded his travels. His remarkable etchings and text were the inspiration behind the tapestry in this suite.
Company Gardens Suite: A masterful etching by Peter Kolbe (between 1705-1713), gives a bird’s eye view of the Company Gardens. This is recreated in all its detail as a mural on the lounge wall of this suite.
Lion Mountain Suite: In earlier times, Lion’s Head and Lion’s Rump made up Lion Mountain. This mountain was used as a signal point for ships as far back as 1673. With this in mind, the curtains bear the names of VOC ships and the tapestry has a view of Table Bay and Cape Town.
Castle of Good Hope Suite: The Castle plays a significant role in the history of Cape Town. Based on an etching by Peter Kolbe, it is incorporated into these suites with a tapestry showing its five bastions.
Voyage Suite: Views of Cape Town were painted by numerous travellers, including mapmaker Nicolas de Fer (1705). His Cap de Bonne Esperance map is recreated on the wall of this suite with descriptions in his native French. Many maps and drawings seem to have been created from memory once the artist returned to Europe resulting in in many aspects seeming grander than reality.
Imari Suite: Imari was the Japanese port from which Japanese porcelain was shipped to the new world. Red, blue, white and gold porcelain became known simply as Imari. In its honour, Imari plates are seen on the 3rd floor lobby and are reproduced on the tapestry, along with the names of some VOC ships which may have carried this cargo.
Do you have a favourite tapestry or mural at Cape Grace?
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