Artist and sculptor Donald Greig is renowned for his spectacular works, characterised by their intricately detailed and life-like representation of the African bush.
As a child growing up on the Highveld, Donald cultivated a deep connection and love for nature and wildlife and, with a family background in the jewellery business, he was well-versed in precious metals and minerals. It is through these circumstances that his desire to show animal life in some way or form resulted in his bronze sculpture business.
His astounding knowledge of animal anatomy and movement comes through in all of his works. Upon closer inspection, one may even catch a glimpse of a fingerprint or two, as each sculpture is designed and moulded by hand – all the more reason why each piece is as valuable as it is.
The Donald Greig Gallery and Bronze Foundry is located at the V&A Waterfront and offers look-in rooms for visitors to admire the casting process as well as see the finished artworks in the elegant setting of the gallery. The space has been created in a 19th-century customs warehouse and draws inspiration from the stylish interiors of converted warehouses in New York’s meat-packing district.
While studying in the historically rich city of Florence, Italy, Donald spent time at some of the world’s most famous foundries and gained invaluable experience in the age-old process of bronze casting. Years later in 2010, he set up his own foundry and now has his own space which produces only his work. The foundry employs a team of highly-skilled artisans, all specialising in different areas of the casting process.
A personal tour of the foundry can be arranged with the gallery. Visitors will be able to see how the mould is constructed from various materials and watch as scorching hot melted bronze is poured into its design. Finally, they can marvel at the sandblasting phase, giving them a full spectrum on the careful process each piece goes through to become a completed sculpture on display.
Pop into the gallery at the V&A Waterfront or any other Donald Greig outlets around the Cape to find a truly unique South African souvenir or valuable keepsake.
OF NOTE
Where 1 Coode Crescent, Port of Cape Town, Enter Port from South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront
When Open Monday to Friday 9.30 am – 5.30 p, Saturdays 9.30 am – 1 pm
Contact +27 (0) 21 418 0003, [email protected]