About Bronze Age Studio
The Bronze Age Functional Art Studio was started in 2005. It was built on the experience and success of the last ten years by the Bronze Age Art Foundry in Simon’s Town. The art foundry has been a very dedicated art foundry for the last ten years utilising the Lost Wax casting process. Some of their clients include William Kentridge, Dylan Lewis, Claudette Schreuder, Beezy Baily and Maureen Quin.
The idea behind the Functional Art studio is to bridge the gap between art and design.
One of the key components in Bronze Age is the abundance of creative energy. Energy being synonymous with the owner: Otto Du Plessis. On his own, a dynamo of creative and physical energy. With extensive foundry experience of more than a decade, as well as a good helping of artistic talent, Otto is key in the success of Bronze Age. Working with Otto is Charles Haupt, an industrial designer, brought on board with the start of the functional art studio. Together the pair has combined their their artistic and creative flair with their extensive bronze casting experience. Drawing inspiration from the rich local, cultural, and natural diversity the pair has created chairs, lights, tables, tiles and their trademark bowls.
In 2007 the studio has been recognised by the Cape Craft and Design Institute (South Africa) as Icons in the industry. The studio has worked in collaboration with some of the biggest names in the South African Interior design circles; these include Graham Viney and Cecile & Boyd.
They will continue to grow in what they produce, be it incredible one-off pieces for clients or their own functional art products.