Makers & Designers

Strauss & Co’s decorative arts department has handled a worldly list of makers and designers specialising in furniture making, jewellery, silver, glass, porcelain and other artisanal trades.

Strauss & Co’s decorative arts department has handled a worldly list of makers and designers specialising in furniture making, jewellery, silver, glass, porcelain and other artisanal trades. This searchable database lists prominent makers and designers sold by Strauss & Co, including René Lalique, Gio Ponti, Patrick Mavros, as well as coveted houses like The Barnards and Tiffany & Co.



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Erich Frey

Germany - South Africa 1917-2004 


Erich Frey was born in Dusseldorf, Germany. His apprenticeship under master goldsmith Hans Beckman was interrupted by wartime service and during this time he made buttons from scrap metal to supplement his income.

In 1952, he relocated to Pretoria, South Africa and in 1963 he and his wife established Erich Frey Jewellers.

He drew inspiration from local lanscapes, flora and African art and is known for integrating non-traditional materials such as wood, bone,ivory and semi-precious stones into his work. He collaborated with celebrated artists such as Walter Battiss, Alexis Preller and Esias Bosch who shared his modernist aesthetic.

In 1966, he helped establish the first degree course in precious metal design at the University of Stellenbosch, leaving a legacy which was a uniquely South African vernacular that continues to resonate today.

He returned to Germany in 1977 where he died from lung failure, likely exacerbated by long term exposure to industrial solvents used in metalwork.


78 lots offered      74.36% sold      ZAR 693 558
 

  Including Premium and VAT Results include Buyer's Premium and VAT
Gold signet ring, Erich Frey (1917-2004)
28 Nov 2022
ZAR 25 000 - 30 000
 
9ct gold torque cuff bangle, Erich Frey (1917-2004)
28 Nov 2022
Sold for ZAR 3 752
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Pair of lapis lazuli and silver cufflinks, 925 standard, Erich Frey (1917-2004)
28 Nov 2022
Sold for ZAR 1 876
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Malachite and silver pendant and chain, Erich Frey .925
28 Nov 2022
ZAR 5 000 - 7 000
 
A South African silver tea caddy spoon, Erich Frey, 1917-2004, .925 sterling
27 Jun 2022
Sold for ZAR 1 173
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Three stone cabochon-cut garnet and gold brooch, Erich Frey, (1917-2004)
4 Apr 2022
Sold for ZAR 4 690
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Emerald, diamond and gold ring, Erich Frey (1917-2004)
4 Apr 2022
Sold for ZAR 21 105
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Diamond and gold ring, Erich Frey (1917-2004)
4 Apr 2022
Sold for ZAR 15 243
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Three-stone diamond ring, Erich Frey (1917-2004)
4 Apr 2022
Sold for ZAR 31 864
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Tourmaline, diamond and gold brooch, Erich Frey, (1917-2004)
4 Apr 2022
Sold for ZAR 28 450
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Gold signet ring, Erich Frey (1917-2004)
4 Apr 2022
ZAR 25 000 - 30 000
 
Pair of lapis lazuli and silver cufflinks, 925 standard, Erich Frey (1917-2004)
4 Apr 2022
ZAR 2 000 - 2 500