In an inspiring celebration of craftsmanship, mentorship, and artistic excellence, Graham Beck is proud to announce a unique collaboration with Michael Chandler, the visionary founder of Chandler House.
Chandler House, a beloved gallery and shop, stands as a beacon of local creativity, nurturing a growing family of artists and makers who celebrate the beauty of South Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Pivoting off this foundation of collaboration, Graham Beck extends the Michael Chandler partnership to include a mentorship programme with two further design talents: Elise Wessels of Blackfan and Glorinah Khutso, founder of Renaissance Design.
Working with these artists aligns with Chandler’s passion for discovering and showcasing emerging talent and brings to life Graham Beck’s commitment to showcasing respective creative forces— moving the project beyond a solo endeavour, to a group effort in which each artist is able to contribute their unique story and share their skills.
The Cornerstone of the Collaboration: The House of Graham Beck Celebration Platter
As testament to the collaboration Chandler himself has created one of his sought-after celebration-ware platters for the ‘House of Graham Beck’—a beautiful blue and white art piece crafted in his signature style, reminiscent of the antique blue-and-white ceramic tradition.
Hand-moulded in porcelain, this celebration platter showcases his expertise and mastery of his craft. The artwork depicts the picturesque rolling vineyards of the Graham Beck farm in Robertson, embodying the essence of the estate’s heritage and the artistry within.
Chandler is known for mastering his craft, for the patience and dedication it takes to create especially personal momentos that transcend the functional to be artworks that are enjoyed by all; these are markers of a time or special event, a celebration of what matters.
Just as each bottle of Graham Beck reflects the meticulous dedication and craftsmanship of its makers, Chandler’s work is a testament to the patience and passion required to create truly personal and meaningful pieces.
Elise Wessels: A Passion for Botanically-Inspired Design
Meet Elise Wessels, the creative force behind Blackfan Studio, a studio specialising in botanically-inspired surface design for home decor. Elise’s work, produced locally in small batches, showcases her passion for illustrative detail and enchanting storytelling.
In a beautiful blend of artistry and mentorship, Elise collaborates with Michael Chandler on a series of slab-rolled vases that reference the old wine storage vessels of ancient Greece. These are further hand-crafted through slip casting and age-old sgraffito techniques.
Her intricate botanical patterns grace Michael’s expertly crafted surfaces, demonstrating the power of shared knowledge and creative synergy—an ethos that resonates deeply with Graham Beck.
Glorinah Khutso: Reawakening Africa’s Cultural Legacy
Glorinah Khutso Mabaso is a visionary interior designer and the founder of Renaissance Design, a multidisciplinary creative agency.
Her bespoke pattern and product designs have earned her accolades, including winning the Nando’s Clout Designers’ competition. In a celebration of artistic evolution, Glorinah is collaborating with Michael Chandler on a series of porcelain tiles. Here, her distinctive patterns, hand-painted with earth that is reminiscent of ancestral decorations, symbolise the passing of knowledge between generations of artisans.
This collaboration embodies the belief that true mastery involves not only honing one’s craft but also nurturing future talent, and passing on skills and craftsmanship for future generations.
A Shared Commitment to Craftsmanship and Mentorship
What makes this entire project and collaboration so powerful is the shared ethos of Michael Chandler, Elise Wessels, and Glorinah Khutso—a commitment to craftsmanship, mentorship, and a belief that true mastery is honed not through instant success, but through quiet commitment.
Like the artistry of Cellar Master Pierre de Klerk at Graham Beck, the dedication to refining one’s craft, day in and day out, unites these artists.
This project transcends a mere partnership; it is a celebration of the enduring power of creativity, knowledge-sharing, and the pursuit of perfection.
A Celebration of Mastery and Meaningful Moments
As we celebrate the beauty of art, craftsmanship, and the moments that shape our lives, Graham Beck is honoured to support this extraordinary partnership.
The collaboration invites everyone to experience the quiet magic that unfolds when passion, persistence, and creativity come together in perfect harmony.
Graham Beck x Michael Chandler: a fusion of artistic brilliance and timeless craftsmanship.