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.

We have not offered any works by Erich Frey at auction

Please contact us if you have any further enquiries.