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Bofred’s rug collection with Frances VH is the culmination of expression, ancient craft and creative collaboration

Underfoot & on the walls

Bofred’s origin story is one of a meeting of minds – a serendipitous conversation between founders Christa Botha and Carla Erasmus at a party a few years ago about their respective career ideals resulted in the birth of the brand. So it makes sense that this spirit of co-creation has extended into their work. For their latest rug collection, Homestead, the duo came together with mohair aficionado Frances van

Hasselt of Frances VH. “We’ve always talked about doing a rug collection, so when Frances contacted us it felt as if the opportunity had found us,” says Carla.

But collaborating with a fellow creative can only be successful when there is mutual respect and an appreciation for the other’s work. “It has been an amazing process working with Frances, not only learning about mohair farming but the labour and love that goes into weaving each unique rug,” comments Christa. By guiding the team through what was possible on the loom, and the different hand-dyed options, Frances’s expertise facilitated the execution of the designs.

A colour palette cued by Frances’s home in the Karoo evokes an escape to nature – muted desert tones that speak to open spaces. “Seeing photos from the farm we couldn’t help but be inspired,” says Carla.

The pair’s Fine Art background and Frances’s mastery of the medium has resulted in designs that serve as artworks as well as functional pieces. Focusing on the sculptural and painterly aesthetics of the subject and plotting out the patterns by hand, rather than digitally, has given the end result an organic effect.

Coming into the project with a limited understanding of what was possible, the process was one of discovery. “There was an element in waiting to see how the final product would turn out. Nerve-wracking, but exciting,” says Christa.

bofred.co.za, francesvh.com