Notes

James Smith was born in Bradford, Yorkshire.   Having moved to South Africa, he worked as a woodcutter and furniture maker in the Tzaneen area where he met Sir Lionel and Lady Phillips, who had a farm at nearby Woodbush.   Florence Phillips, who was doing a great deal to promote arts and crafts projects in South Africa, introduced Smith to Sir Herbert Baker, with the idea that he make furniture after designs by Baker.   Baker later employed James Smith for the woodwork and carvings of the Union Buildings.

Literature

Deon Viljoen and Piér Rabe, Cape Furniture 1680-1900, Cape Town, 2002, No 17, where an identical pair are illustrated