“We nurture dreams to grow creative solutions from Africa.”

‘The Centre is one of Cape Town’s best kept secrets with twenty-five arts and craft studios and workshops, a historic greenhouse and nursery and stunning restaurant. Montebello Design Centre is located in Newlands, Cape Town, and is the result of a financial and property bequest by Cecil Michaelis who wished the centre to work closely with the University of Cape Town to nurture design, craft and entrepreneurship in South Africa. The project is situated in the farm buildings of the historic site of Montebello. Montebello Design Centre is a Not for Profit Organisation.’

John Bauer and his beads

I love to visit John’s gallery and shop at the Montebello Design Centre in Newlands, Cape Town. He works in porcelain and is known for his innovative ways of working. I am fortunate to have one of his bowls which not only looks beautiful but also sounds wonderful!

On my visits to Cape Town I try to make a visit to the Design Centre and am captivated by the subtle colours of the hand made beads which feed into my creativity.

Here are some I brought back with me and some necklaces now made up ready for sale on the website.

To choose a necklace go to Shop