Strauss & co - Review 2022

Chairperson’s Report Looking back on 2022, it is hard to ignore the happy return to socialising and personal exchange among collectors and devotees of art, wine and decorative collectables after two years of sheltering from the pandemic. The year started nervously, but by February it was clear that the dark clouds of the 2020-21 pandemic were lifting. Responding to this positive news, in February Strauss & Co hosted an inspiring exhibition of world-class modern and contemporary African art at Welgemeend in Cape Town. Timed to coincide with the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, the exhibition Giving Direction: Figuration, Past and Present provided an opportunity for clients, friends and supporters to gather to celebrate renewal after two disruptive years. Renewal is not a sudden thing. Strauss & Co learnt many lessons during the Covid-19 pandemic, chief among them the value of committed staff and efficient technology. Strauss & Co’s digital journey preceded the abrupt changes to global trade wrought by the pandemic. Anticipation and incremental changes enabled Strauss & Co to thrive during the pandemic. In 2022 we continued to adapt, innovate and change in order to better serve our clients and reach new international audiences. One striking example of Strauss & Co’s new digital reach was the sale, in November 2022, of Irma Stern’s 1940 portrait African Woman for R5 600 000 ($327 417) to a new client from Asia. 4