One of the advantages of joining a group outing is that speakers/curators/historians trained in the subject can really bring a tour alive by adding stories and anecdotes

Yesterday I joined the Simon van der Stel organisation for a visit to the Rupert Museum, Stellenbosch. I have been here a few times before, but yesterday we were lucky to have the curator, Elize-Marie gives us the history of the Art Museum and highlight some of the pieces.

Pierneef was commissioned by Transnet to paint the South African countryside to attract locals to use the railways and take a holiday around South Africa.

In the early 1930s, these 32 panels and were hanging in the Johannesburg Train station. In 2004, the Director for Transnet retired and ask The Rupert Museum to take of these wonderful paintings, so they are permanent loan from Transnet.

The last gallery showcases Irma Stern, a mix of her art, artefacts she collected and her dining room (on temporary loan from the Irma Stern museum).

The Rupert Museum is planning some Irma Stern dining events and I suggest you subscribe to their newsletter for updates.

I loved the way the curator, Elize-Marie pointed out select paintings by Irma Stern and then her vases used in the actual paintings. Something I would have probably walked passed without noticing.

Afterwards we took lunch in their restaurant, a delightful bistro style menu in a beautiful garden setting. Food was excellent

The Simon van der Stel Organisation have more events coming up, check out their Facebook Page