The Danie de Jager Studio situated on the slopes of the Magalies Mountains provided an impressive location for the Bailliage’s 2017 Chapitre.

The Induction Ceremony, presided over by Bailli Délégué Honoraire Allison Rutowitz, Member of the Conseil d’Administration Honoraire, took place in the beautiful gardens with a life-size bronze sculpture of Shawu the Elephant standing guard. Its famous counterpart at the Palace of the Lost City is one of the most photographed animal artworks in the world.

The gracious owner of this landmark property, Elsa de Jager, was recognised as an Officier at the ceremony alongside new committee members being promoted and new members being inducted. Elsa has been a loyal member from the start of the Chaîne in South Africa. Her further claim to fame is that she is a world-class flower arranger being the only woman in the world who has won a prize at every flower Olympics.

In this unique setting, members and guests were treated to Groot Constantia MCC Pinot Noir as a welcoming drink followed by a trio of fortified wines sponsored by Brasserie de Paris. Whilst enjoying the wines with nibbles of biltong and nuts, everyone could view the works in the studio created by Elsa’s late husband, Danie de Jager, famed for his more than 120 monumental sculptures including several of African animals for the Palace of the Lost City.

The dining room at the Studio is a unique setting. Highlights of the menu included the smoked trout starter and the trio of desserts served with Amarula Liqueur. The undoubted culinary star of the evening was the cheese table, with a selection that would be hard to rival anywhere. Guests enjoyed this feast washed down with De Kranz Calitzdorp Cape Ruby.

A Chaîne event is reputed to be one that members could not experience without belonging to the association. The dinner at this Chapitre certainly lived up to this mandate.

Elizabeth Jordaan
Chargée de Presse