A Journey Through Art
Discover the Everard Read Galleries in Franschhoek
Since its establishment in 1913, Everard Read has been synonymous with excellence in contemporary art. Africa’s oldest gallery represents a diverse array of artists across multiple media, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media. The group boasts seven galleries across four locations—Cape Town, Johannesburg, London, and Franschhoek—where you’ll find the exquisite Everard Read Franschhoek and Everard Read on Leeu Estates.
Two Iconic Galleries, One Artistic Haven
Everard Read Franschhoek, located alongside Le Quartier Français in the historic Huguenot Road, opened in 2016. It offers a year-round programme of solo and group exhibitions in a serene setting, complete with a delightful herb and sculpture garden.
Opened in 2020, Everard Read on Leeu Estates combines a gallery with a sculpture garden set amidst beautiful fynbos and vineyards. This purpose-built gallery, designed by DHK architects, provides the perfect space for monumental sculptures and large-scale artworks.
"We envisaged these spaces as oases for the communities they serve," says Everard Read group CEO Charles Shields, highlighting the galleries’ role in nurturing both artists and art enthusiasts.
Artist in Residence: Fostering Creativity
The Artist Residency Programme at Leeu Estates provides a tranquil retreat for artists to focus on their work amidst the vineyards and mountains.
"This residency is an opportunity for artists to take a break from their usual studios and immerse themselves in new surroundings," explains Shields.
Artists such as Blessing Ngobeni, Teresa Kutala-Firmino, Nelson Makamo, Nandipha Mntambo, Alexandra Ross, Setlamorago Mashilo, Paolo Bini, Matthew Hindley, Thonton Kabeya, Guy Ferrer, Ricky Dyaloyi, Liza Grobler, Lee-Ann Heath, Jeanne Hoffman, and Jan Tshikhuthula have all participated in this prestigious programme, creating breathtaking art in an inspiring environment.
Current and Upcoming Exhibitions
Vusi Khumalo’s "The Journey Continues"
Currently on show until 8 December – Everard Read Franschhoek
Khumalo is a stalwart of the South African art scene. This is his 15th solo exhibition in the course of three decades - most of which have been hosted at Everard Read.
At 73, Khumalo has a formidable eye for composition, perspective, rhythm and colour. This collection sees him juxtapose rural and urban homesteads as well as revisit his poetic abstractions that read as odes to human ingenuity and fragility.
Lionel Smit’s "Permanence"
On show from 7 December - 5 January – Everard Read at Leeu Estates
A solo exhibition showcasing his iconic portraits, accompanied by the launch of his book Continuum: A Collection of Exhibitions 2013 – 2023.
In Permanence, Smit examines the emergence of permanence through a meticulous process of layering and reworking. His study of form evolves slowly, capturing the essence of time’s accumulation in physical paint. The interplay between his sculptural practice and painting is evident, with the two mediums merging seamlessly. This convergence brings a new dimension to his oil paintings, where manipulating the canvas creates windows into alternate realms that occupy tangible space.
A Perfect Day in Franschhoek
Start the morning in town, visiting Everard Read Franschhoek in the main village. Grab a coffee at one of the local coffee shops, browse the gallery, and enjoy a walk through its lovely herb and sculpture garden.
Everard Read Franschhoek will usually have a solo exhibition on in one of its rooms, while the rest of the gallery features a rolling group show highlighting some of South Africa’s most exceptional contemporary artists.
Next, take a five-minute drive to Leeu Estates. Upon arrival, visit the Everard Read Leeu Estates gallery, where you will be met with monumental sculptures amongst the incredible natural setting of the Estates. The sculptures lead the way to the superb purpose-built gallery on-site, which showcases some of the finest works by South African contemporary artists. The museum-style design of the gallery allows it to exhibit larger scale works, making the experience even more awe-inspiring as you enter the gallery.
The gallery shares a pavilion with La Petite Colombe, the internationally renowned restaurant, where you can enjoy unique and memorable fine dining.
While on the Estates, don’t forget to treat yourself to a tutored tasting at The Wine Studio, and even a restorative treatment at Leeu Spa by Healing Earth.
For a truly immersive epicurean escape, contact the Guest Liaison Team to arrange a night at the five-star premium Leeu Estates hotel, complete with its own incredible art around every corner.
