Words: Kit Heathcock | Images: Tessa Barnes
No 5 on Hudson is an elegant new art gallery based in the heart of Cape Town’s trendy De Waterkant. Owner Sandy de Bruin, previously owner of Country Living SA and former Miss South Africa, hand-picks pieces by renowned local artists, including Fiona Rowett, Nicole Pletts and Lesley Charnock. She draws on themes like “Women and Art” and “Shades of Grey”, focussing on the empowerment and upliftment of female artists in South Africa. Sandy tells us more about the gallery.
How did your business start?
My focus has always been on beautiful spaces and attention to detail. After successfully running Country Living SA for 15 years, my husband and I moved across to London where I developed an acutely keen interest in art, inspired by my five-year intermittent travels through Europe, exploring its rich history and diverse culture. In conceiving No 5 on Hudson, my focus is not only on beautiful and meaningful art, but how the pieces translate into our environment and how it fits into our aesthetic space. I want visitors to be embraced in an experience that heightens the visual senses in a space contemplated by soul and design.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
Upon my return to Cape Town, I was inspired by our local artisans and the bustling art scene. De Waterkant is a trendy, cosmopolitan epicentre of town, and thus it seemed fitting to open up shop there.
How did you find your premises?
I found the premises by complete chance after having coffee at Origins.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
Positioned in the heart of De Waterkant and directly across from the Cape Quarter, No 5 on Hudson’s location worked perfectly for my vision. As it’s a relatively small space for a gallery, I had to utilise the wall space as much as possible and also had movable walls made for the hanging of more art.
Who are your neighbours?
We are located next to ABE Opperman Gallery and directly opposite the car park into Cape Quarter.
What are the rental prices like in this area?
Reflecting the high-profile location, rental prices are relatively expensive.
How many people visit your business each day?
It’s early days still, but we’ve experienced wonderful intake since the opening in July with a regular flow of visitors.
Do you have any expansion plans?
There certainly is opportunity in the pipeline.
Do you operate online as well?
We’ll be operating online very soon. Watch this space.
What’s your most popular item?
We host a selection of curated artworks from a collection of some of my favourite artists in South Africa. These include relief works in acrylic, some oil on canvas, watercolour nudes (I too have produced my own line of work presented in the gallery), bronze medium sculptures and a gorgeous array of smaller decor pieces for the home. So far all have been wonderfully received.
No 5 on Hudson
021 418 2783
no5onhudson.com
