EXPLORE
The Lionel Smit Studio has been thoughtfully designed to function as a fully immersive experience. It was conceptualised as a space that can ignite a love of art and its possibilities. Here we welcome members of the public and discerning art collectors from around the world.
The gallery is like a living and evolving interactive artwork waiting to be explored. Its design is both bold and imaginative, both accessible and inspiring all at once. Light, space, paint, print, and sculpture come alive here in a unique visual dance. Join us in exploring it.
ARCHITECTURE
Discover the design principles and inspiration behind our unique studio space.
STUDIO
Tour the gallery space with its evocative selection of signature paintings, prints, and sculptures.
GARDENS
Traverse our indigenous gardens and enjoy the sculpture walk with its monumental pieces.
Architecture
LOCATION
Lionel Smit Studio is found in the historic Paardevlei (Horse Valley) Precinct, 40 minutes from Cape Town’s central business district. The site of a former dynamite factory established by mining magnate, Cecil John Rhodes, Paardevlei is also home to various buildings designed by iconic architect, Sir Herbert Baker. Baker is considered one of South Africa’s preeminent architectural innovators. His body of work includes landmarks such as the Union Buildings in Pretoria, St George’s Cathedral, and the Mount Nelson Hotel.
DESIGN
To make its mark amongst striking 19th-century heritage buildings, the studio was built with meticulous care, simultaneously paying homage to its surrounding structures and setting itself apart. HB Architects used the industrial aesthetic of adjacent factories, creating a dark, steeply pitched roof and off-white walls. The studio is open plan and double volume with a mezzanine that houses the upstairs administrative area and adjacent print studio .
LIGHTING
The windows are vertically proportioned to let in maximum light into the evocative, modernistic space, exemplifying the use of diffused natural light being admitted from above, allowing optimal use of the blank-canvas wall spaces to display artworks.
MATERIALS
The building is a sustainable structure: gum trees, felled in the area, were used as countertops, stair treads, and ‘parquet blocks’ on the veranda, while rainwater is stored in feature ponds that are surrounded by endemic grasses, reeds and indigenous trees.
Browse the photo gallery
Studio
THE GALLERY
Working within the boundaries of an unusually-shaped site, two long sheds were constructed parallel to each other but placed out of sequence: one shed is projected beyond the other in a slightly asymmetrical fashion. The building is purposefully unpretentious and classically simple. Each design element is relevant, practical, and integral to its purpose. Architectural lines are clean and flowing, allowing each visitor to create their own visual journey as they navigate the space.
PRINT STUDIO
Positioned in a mezzanine space up a flight of stairs, and adjacent to the administration wing above the main gallery, the print studio is where high-quality reproductions of Lionel Smit artworks are produced and many collector’s items can be found. Organise a tour with our reception team and enjoy the opportunity to discover the print process and view limited edition prints from Smit’s oeuvre.
PAINTING STUDIO
This studio houses several canvasses and sculptures in various stages of production. Lionel Smit’s creative studio is a heady mix of art in construction with large-scale canvasses hung on walls or displayed on easels, tubes of rich-hued paint, and old furniture set amidst the artist’s primary working space.
Neighbouring this lively and colour-filled area one finds a double-volume storage and prep space where canvases are prepared, and unfinished works and materials are stored. Light streams in from the exterior filling the space with a pleasant glow.
SCULPTURE STUDIO
The administration area is above the main gallery and doubles as an exhibition space. The painting studio has two separate areas: the creative studio, where the artist has several canvasses and sculptures in production stage. Neighbouring this, an area where canvases are prepared, and unfinished works and material are stored.
Gardens
FRONT TERRACE
The Studio’s main entrance looks out over a beautifully landscaped space interspersed with Smit’s iconic bronze sculptures. Imposing Eucalyptus trees tower over peach-pit walkways and waterwise plant life, much of which is indigenous. The striking, rich blue, and faded green patinas of monumental heads are brought to life in this evocative setting. Look out for the striking quiver tree copse to your right and the Helderberg Mountain on the horizon.
ROCK GARDEN
When the Studio was constructed, large sandstone rock formations were unearthed which have been transformed into a 12-series monolithic installation that resembles ancient burial mounds. The imposing brown and pink natural rocks rest atop grass-covered mounds and the sculpture, Malay Girl Medium holds watch over the scene. To right one looks over at the a-frame windows of the studio space.
SCULPTURE WALK
Many of the most striking sculptures on our collection are to be found dotted throughout the Studio exterior, where they have been placed along convenient walkways. We encourage our visitors to take the time to engage with these iconic works within this majestic natural setting. Look out for renowned pieces such as Morphous, Multiple Whole and Assemble with Shafts, among others.
STUDIO SANCTUARY
To your left, as you exit the Studio, you will spot a black wrought-iron gate and fence. Within lies the artist’s private studio garden, complete with a reflective pond, paved concrete walkway, endemic reeds and a firepit. Be sure to take time to view the two St Cloud Bronzes by world-renowned sculptor, Emily Young, (which form part of Lionel Smit’s private collection).
Other
GIVING BACK
Lionel Smit supports a number of non-profits working in our local community.
WINE
An exceptional collaboration between Lionel Smit and Bernhard Bredell, winemaker of Scions of Sinai.