About Us
A passion for history, expertise for the present
What began as a personal fascination with historic libraries has grown into a specialised consulting practice based in Cape Town. We combine academic knowledge with practical experience in working with South Africa's cultural heritage.
Our philosophy
Historic libraries are not museums – they are living stores of knowledge. Our approach is based on the conviction that these places must remain accessible without losing their integrity. Every tour, every consultation and every project we undertake is shaped by this principle.
We only work on projects that respect the highest standards of preservation. This also means that we sometimes have to decline requests that conflict with our ethical principles.
Our team
Our network includes historians, archivists, conservators and photographers who all share a deep connection to historic book collections. Together we work with libraries, archives and private collections across South Africa – from the Western Cape to Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Most of our team members gained years of experience in academic, archival or museum settings before joining us. This combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on work with original material makes our advice particularly well grounded.
Why we do what we do
In an age dominated by digital media, one might think historic libraries are relics. The opposite is true: interest in the material culture of books is growing. People are looking for authentic experiences – the feel of old paper and the scent of leather bindings that are centuries old.
We see it as our task to channel this interest in a way that benefits both visitors and collections. That requires sensitivity and specialist knowledge.
Our values
- Respect for the object: Every book and every manuscript has a story. We treat them accordingly.
- Transparency: We communicate openly about the possibilities and limits of access to collections.
- Continuous learning: Research on historic libraries and archives is constantly evolving. We keep up to date.
- Lasting relationships: We value long-term working relationships with institutions and clients.
If you would like to learn more about our work or have a specific request, please get in touch.