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Silver

Image: Cape silver coffeepot by Frans Hillegers, c. 1790. (SACHM71/50)

Of special interest is the silver collection, especially the Cape silver. The Heller Collection of Cape Silver consists of hollowware and flatware made by all the best-known silversmiths working at the Cape during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Covered sugar bowls with corded handles and decorative finials are among the prettiest items on display. Apart from European silver, there are also silver items from Malaysia and Russia. 

There are several interesting items of Cape commemorative silver including a tumbler cup made by D. H. Schmidt which belonged to Colonel R. J. Gordon, commander of the Dutch garrison at the Cape from 1780 until 1795. The Trafalgar Vase, made by Benjamin Smith and presented to Major General Sir David Baird by Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund for the capture of the Cape of Good Hope on 18 January 1806, is of particular significance to those concerned with the history of the Second British Occupation.

Image: Russian silver bowl decorated with cloisonne enamel (SACHM70/413)

The Cape of Good Hope Vice-Admiralty Oar made by William Frisbee, London, 1806, was a powerful symbol of maritime jurisdiction from 1806 until 1890. Comparable to a great mace, the oar was intended as a sign of authority possessed by the Admiralty courts to arrest persons and vessels in respect of all manners of maritime disputes. The Vice Admiralty Court sat in the building known as the Slave Lodge from 1828 to 1890 when the court was abolished and the oar became the possession of Lord J. H. De Villiers, the last judge of the Vice Admiralty Court.

The Woutersen Vase made by the Cape silversmith, Willem Godfried Lotter, circa 1826. Lotter was assisted by Joseph Arrowsmith in the engraving and possibly the design of the piece. The vase was presented by a group of Cape citizens and slave owners to Pieter Woutersen, a member of the Burgher Senate, for his efforts in trying to keep intact the institution of slavery. In 1826 Ordinance no. 19 had been passed which was part of an attempt by the British colonial government at amelioration and improvement of the living conditions of slaves.

The slave owners considered these laws an infringement of their rights and Woutersen championed the slave owners’ cause in the Burgher Senate. Amelioration, however, won the day. Most of the above-mentioned pieces are on display in the Slave Lodge. There are also items in storage.

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Dear Visitors,

 

Please note that all Iziko Museums will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, 25 December 2024 and

will reopen to the public on Thursday, 26 December 2024.

 

Additionally,  Iziko Bertram House and Iziko Koopmans De Wet will remain closed on Thursday,   

26 December 2024.

 

Wishing you peace and joy over the festive season.

 

Thank you

Iziko Management 

Dear Visitor

Please be advised that the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum will be closed on Thursday, 01 August 2024 due to a power maintenance affecting the entire area.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Iziko Management

Dear Visitor 

 

Iziko Museums’ Winter Operating Hours Update. 

 

Please be advised that the weekend(SAT and SUN) operating hours have been adjusted. 

The museums will open operate from 08h30 to 16h00 on weekends during winter.

 

Saturdays from 08h30 to 16h00

Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, Iziko South African National Gallery, 

Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum and Iziko Slave Lodge. 

 

Sundays from 08h30 to 16h00

Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium and Iziko South African National Gallery. 

 

By order 

Iziko Management. 

 
Iziko South African National Gallery

Dear Visitors,

Please note that the Iziko South African National Gallery is closed to the public today, 18 December 2024, for maintenance.

It will reopen on Thursday, 19 December 2024

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Iziko Management