Southern Guild commissions produces and exhibits contemporary collectible design by the most compelling talents in South Africa. The gallery has pioneered the collectible design category on the continent, propelling its artists and designers to make original work that is distinctly African and globally relevant. Founded in 2008 by Trevyn and Julian McGowan, Southern Guild’s rigorous curatorial programme has shaped the world’s perceptions of African design and forged a unique vernacular in the international arena.

Located in Cape Town’s newly revitalised Silo District, adjacent to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, the gallery showcases limited-edition and one-off pieces that have garnered multiple awards and caught the attention of the world’s leading collectors, auction houses and museums. It was the first African gallery to present at Christie’s London’s annual design auction (2015) and Design Miami (2011), where it still shows regularly (in both the US and Basel). The gallery has also participated in fairs such as PAD London, The Salon Art & Design, Collective New York and Design Days Dubai. It has partnered with renowned New York City-based galleries R & Company, Friedman Benda and Todd Merrill, further presenting its artist-designers to the most important international audiences.