Design and Making Exhibition at the Castle of Good Hope

Discover how the evolution of food sheds light on the history and transformation of craft and design

The Cape Craft & Design Institute (CCDI) and the Iziko Museum’s Social History Collections Department have joined forces to put together a unique exhibition that tells the story of humanity’s crafting and manufacturing journey through the ages via food storage, preservation and packaging. Titled ‘Design and Making: The Story of Food’, the showcase runs at the Castle of Good Hope from Wednesday, 4 June to Sunday, 12 October 2014 as part of the World Design Capital 2014 programme (WDC2014).

“In presenting an exhibition as part of World Design Capital, we wanted to illustrate how the process of design has in fact existed since the beginning of time – when all we had was our hands and easily accessible materials to mediate our environment for our survival and growth – and also our enjoyment and pleasure,” said Executive Director of the CCDI Erica Elk.

CCDI Communications Manager Marjorie Naidoo added, “In focusing on food, we are focusing on the essence of life; the grand sweep of history; monumental shifts in the landscape of production, industry, and commerce; and the impact of all this on society, communities, and ordinary people.”

Using ancient artefacts from Africa, Europe and Asia and 30 contemporary pieces crafted by local designers and makers from the CCDI’s stable, the display compares found objects, like ostrich eggs and gourds, and objects fashioned from clay, wood and other materials with manufactured receptacles made from plastic, cardboard, glass and more to demonstrate the human race’s evolution from necessity to aesthetic. Some of the pieces date back 1.7 million years, while others came into being in the last year.

Aside from the primary striking set-up, the exhibition also features a large installation created by designer Aidan Bennetts that’s made up of 100 wine bottles donated by Distell Wines; this art piece will move to the Oude Libertas Art Gallery in Stellenbosch once the Castle exhibition completes its run.

TICKETS FOR THE 2014 DESIGN AND MAKING: THE STORY OF FOOD EXHIBITION AT THE CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE

Entry to the exhibition includes entry to the Castle of Good Hope, and the entrance fees are as follows:

Gates to the Castle of Good Hope open at 9am; please note that no one is allowed to enter the castle after 3:30pm as the monument closes at 4pm.

Images are courtesy of Carina Beyer from Iziko Museums of South Africa, the Cape Craft & Design Institute and Eric Miller.

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After exploring the rooms at the Castle of Good Hope why not discover what’s going on below with the Mother City with Reclaim Camissa Underground Tunnel Tours. Alternatively, check out the 12 Rooms interior design exhibition at the Leon at CCXIX studio in Woodstock.
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