An Archive of Materials

Zimbabwean born artist Kudzanai Chiurai opened The Library of The Things We Forgot to Remember earlier this year at 44 Stanley: this audio-visual exhibition consists of books, posters, vinyls and audio recordings from the artist’s own collection and on loan from other collections.

The Conversation’s Tinashe Mushakavanhu recently wrote about how Chiurai ‘imagines new ways to activate, share, present and reinvent the archives, as he does with his latest project, the library.’

Read the full article here.

'tongues', curated by Kundai Moyo and Chloë Reid

tongues at the gallery brings together the work of 10 artists to think through the process of alternating from one language or code to another. Borne out of necessity and applied as a means of gaining visibility and recognition within a social, political or professional context, code-switching is also exercised to tactical and creative ends. This exhibition considers the ways in which code-switching becomes a means of expressing multiple subjectivities, recognising the loaded significance that the term carries in relation to language, race and class, and the direct implications it has for self-expression, social acceptance and identity.

The exhibition opened on the 18th September and the full catalogue is available to view here.

Life is Peachy

Eat Out magazine recently chatted to Peachy’s chef Jess Doveton about her inspiration for the menu.

Jess shares her love for travel, Thailand and memories with us, which all inspires her cooking. She shares the start to her cooking journey and what she’s learned about herself, along the way.

Peachy is a dine bar, found next to the Bioscope, with an eclectic menu of dishes.

Bizcommunity.com a popular website for the Creative industries have reviewed Peachy, who recently won "Ethnic Restaurant of the Year" in the Hospitality Counsel's Luxe Restaurant Awards.
It is labelled as “…otherworldly side of ‘boho chic’”, with a definite recommendation to try Peachy. We agree!

A new season

Spring is here, we can see it in the green shoots, jasmine and wisteria, the longer days and the warmer weather (we hope are here to stay for good).

We’re happy that the new season brings loads of new energy and excitement.

Glow Theory is the first retail store in South Africa dedicated to K-beauty. Korean beauty is centred around nature inspired ingredients and an extensive range of products, in order to create a custom skincare solution for every individual. Pop in to chat to Tamsin and the team, about all things skincare.
Even After All, an all day eatery, will open its doors in September. We look forward to scrumptious meals made with love, for the whole family. An excellent addition to the community.
Actor Spaces, a digital magazine, aimed at documenting and archiving stories of African actors while celebrating the tremendous talent, skills and expertise in South African Film, Television and Theatre.
Me & B, an inspirational mother and daughter team from Cape Town will soon grace our centre with their flair. Their designs are built around a community of inclusivity and fun, regardless body shape. This step towards encouraging body positivity in individuals, is an aim we applaud.

The Bioscope has a great line up from comedy to classic movies be sure to book your ticket.
Guillotine, brain child of designer Lisa Jaffe, is celebrating their one year anniversary for their online store! We’re happy to see them reach this milestone. Pop in during the month of September for the release of their Spring range.

Look forward to sharing this space, under the 44 Stanley trees, with you.

Denim's new life with Ifuku.one

In an August article on Business Day Wanted recent addition to 44 Stanley, Ifuku’s Rodney Mudzengerere shares his love for all things denim, canvas, leather and last but not least - community.

Rodney comments that to him, denim is a culture, an expression of lifestyle and most importantly, and a deep inspiration to him.

He love to see members of our community succeed!

A MONTH TO REMEMBER

July 2021 will go down in the history books for likely, all the wrong reasons….

The devastating third wave of Covid-19 caused a Level 4 lockdown to be implemented resulting in our restaurants having to close their doors to sit-down patrons. Riots followed by wide-scale looting in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal and we experienced the coldest winter in a decade with temperatures dropping to below freezing levels (even our ponds froze over).

It’s been a seriously challenging time but it will also be remembered for the small acts of kindness and hope that reverberated through South Africa and was seen across social media and in the press. It is a testament to how anyone can affect change and take action and it points to a collective focus and civil action not seen in some time.

Having witnessed all of the ups and downs during this winter, we hope that our visitors will start returning soon and enjoy our space, which we hope feels like somewhat of an oasis.

The past couple of months have also seen some changes to our space and new addtions to our community:

The XL Cafe replaced Salvation Deli (also known as Three Mary’s). The deli was acquired from the Salvation Cafe team and you’ll recognise the team who have carried on working there.
Ifuku a menswear store incorporating rugged denim and workwear including one-offs and vintage pieces alongside locally manufactured items.
Coco-Mat have closed their South African retail stores and are focussing on their lofts in the Bo-Kaap in Cape Town. Look them for a great place to stay when you’re next in Cape Town. The talented team from Acre Studios, an interior design studio and furniture showroom will be moving in over the course of the next couple of weeks and we’re thrilled to welcome them.
Glow Theory specialises in K-beauty (Korean beauty products) and will open the first dedicated store of its kind in South Africa.

It feels like he’s been part of our community for ages, but Ashleigh Machete’s JFF Plant shop opened in April. Ash is the farmer and plant doctor behind the JFF Rooftop Farm in Braamfontein, and him and his team will provide you with house plants and all the necessary advice needed to keep them healthy and alive.

Artist Kudzanai Chiurai’s archive ‘The Library Of Things We Forgot to Remember’ is a collection of artistic materials including vinyl, artworks and soundbites drawn from private collections. It is open from Thursdays to Saturdays and provides a space to look at and listen to this amazing collection. Follow the Library to find out more and find them on the first floor above The Atelier.
Odrin closed their doors at the end of July. Although we are so sad to see the end of the brand as we know it we are excited that a new menswear and lifestyle concept Kin opens in August.

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44 Stanley in the press.

We’ve been in the international press again.

44 Stanley was recently featured in this Conde Nast Traveller article. This article compiles a list of the best spots in Joburg for shopping. Mr Vinyl is mentioned for his extensive collection of tapes, vinyls new and second hand as well as the range of turntables available. They also mention Bean There Coffee and Odrin.

In July/August edition of National Geographic Traveller UK, Jess Nicholson describes Johannesburg as

“...draw for many new settlers who see themselves as Dick Whittingtons in a city of opportunity”

— Jess Nicholson

The article mentions 44 Stanley, amongst others in a city guide to Johannesburg. Read the print version here.

We are proud to share this space with all kinds of incredible talent!

Amongst the skies

Kenyan Airways in-flight magazine Msafiri - meaning traveller in Kiswahili, did a ranking of 100 of places and experiences to visit: aimed to rejuvenating the travellers wanderlust with a sneak peak into some of the most amazing spots worldwide.

44 Stanley was ranked amongst this exclusive list of retail environments, adventure activities, hotels, cultural hotspots and wildlife activities.

Bean There Coffee Company's YouTube channel

Do you subscribe to Bean There Coffee Company’s YouTube channel? It includes a series of great instructional coffee videos along with stories of areas and farmers that have been part of founder Jonathan Robinson’s coffee journey. Watch longtime farmer-partner Agnes’ Story shot by the talented Dan Carter.

A little bite of East Africa

Little Addis Cafe, a landmark Ethiopian eatery, joined us late in 2020 to become part of the 44 Stanley bouquet.

Little Addis Cafe have been around since 2012 and was situated in Maboneng. This cafe offers authentic Ethiopian food, suitable for vegetarians and carnivores alike. The plates boasts veggies like green beans, potatoes and beetroot - none like you ever tasted before! With chicken, lamb and beef for the meat lovers and an assortment of lentils, suitable for vegetarians. All served on freshly made injera.

Truly a must see!