Cape Town's Bertram House reopens

Bertram House, the only extant Georgian-style red brick house once a common sight in many parts of Cape Town, has opened its doors to the public after extensive renovations.

Located at the top of Government Avenue in the city centre, the house was built circa 1839 by the English immigrant and notary John Barker who named it in memory of his first wife, Ann Bertram Findlay. Since then the house has been occupied by a cross section of well known figures from 19th century Cape Town society including Captain Robert Granger after whom Granger Bay is named.

In 1903 the house came into ownership of the South African College which later transferred it to the South African government in 1930. After a substantial private donation towards its restoration, in 1976 the house was entrusted to the South African Cultural History Museum (SACHM). In 1984 Bertram House was officially established as a museum depicting the home of a wealthy English family in the early 19th century in Cape Town. Today the museum is part of the Iziko Museum network.

The South African Post Office (SAPO) marks the re-opening of the house with the issue of a commemorative philatelic series of first day cover stamps and cards featuring the country's traditional bead artwork from the Iziko Museum's Collection. An exhibition of the stamps is currently on display in Bertram House.

Monday and Friday 10.00-17.00

Bertram House, Hiddingh Campus, Orange Street, Cape Town, tel. +27(0)214249381.

www.iziko.org.za/bertram