“Rest and Joy” whispers the name Rust en Vreugd. It’s a beautiful name for a place steeped in history. Right here before us stands this captivating house. A testament to Cape Town’s rich past.
Built between 1777 and 1778 Rust en Vreugd was once the home of Willem Cornelis Boers. He was a high-ranking official with the Dutch East India Company. The house stood on the outer limits of Cape Town. This explains the street’s name Buitenkant meaning outer edge.
Boers wasn’t the only resident. After him many others lived here. The Dutch Reformed Church bought it in 1878. It became a teacher’s training college. Later from 1925 to 1957 it housed Cape Town High School. The building has seen many transformations. Each era leaving its mark.
In the early 1960s Rust en Vreugd became a gallery. A second restoration happened in 1993. Today it proudly displays the William Fehr Collection. This impressive collection of works of art on paper includes watercolors prints and drawings. Mr Fehr gifted it to the people of South Africa. It’s a window into the country’s vibrant artistic soul. Due to the delicate nature of the works only a selection is on display. There are over 4000 pieces in total. The oldest dates back to the 16th century.
The house itself is a work of art. The main facade is a masterpiece of design. Elements like the porch balcony and Corinthian columns are exquisite details. Sculptor Anton Anreith contributed his skill. He crafted the wood carvings and the kiaat fanlight.
The wrought iron gates aren’t original. They came from a church in England in 1878. The original gates are long gone. Rust en Vreugd has witnessed history unfold. From a private residence to a school to a gallery. It has always been a place of rest and joy. A place for learning and creativity.
Today Rust en Vreugd continues its legacy. It stands as a reminder of Cape Town’s past. A vibrant hub for art and culture. A place where history and beauty intertwine. It’s more than just a museum. It’s a living story. A captivating chapter in Cape Town’s tale. A true testament to the enduring spirit of the city.