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The Roodebloem Estate, Woodstock

History

Over fifty years of nurturing talent at the historic Roodebloem Estate.

Ruth Prowse School of Art takes its name from the artist Ruth Prowse (1883–1967), who left her home and studio for the advancement of art in South Africa. In 1970, the artist Erik Laubscher gathered artists, supporters and cultural leaders to turn that bequest into a school, and opened its doors to everyone at a time when South African law required the opposite.

Fifty-six years on, the school is still run on that same principle: talent and willingness decide who belongs here, not circumstance.

  1. Miss Prowse was an artist of considerable note and a staunch protagonist for the preservation of our historic buildings and curator of the Michaelis Collection in Cape Town.

  2. Ruth Prowse bequeathed her property, "The Retreat," for the establishment of an art and cultural centre.

  3. Her trustees formally approved the founding of the Ruth Prowse Art Centre by the late Erik Laubscher, the first principal, which was the only non-discriminatory art centre in South Africa.

  4. The Roodebloem Estate was declared a National Monument.

  5. New extensions were added to the complex.

  6. The School celebrated 25 years. The first Outreach Community Skills Programme was established for learners from historically disadvantaged communities.

    Upon the retirement of Mr Laubscher, Ms Edwine Simon became the first woman Director.

  7. Special Outreach Community Skills Programmes were funded by the National Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology and the Arts and Culture Services of the City of Cape Town.

  8. The School received sponsorship, private and corporate donations, bursaries, and bequests.

    The School received bursaries for disadvantaged students.

  9. The School celebrated 30 years and embarked on the restoration project for the preservation of its historical buildings.

    A major fundraising exhibition took place, with 600 artworks donated by 300 of South Africa's leading professional artists, and a full-colour catalogue was produced. The exhibition was held at the National Library of South Africa.

  10. The second woman Director, Ms Eunice Geustyn, was appointed for the Ruth Prowse School of Art NPC.

    Restoration of the Stoep and Thatch Cottage was completed.

    Mr Erik Laubscher was appointed an honorary life member to the Board of Trustees.

  11. Restoration of the front balcony, façade, and gables of the Manor House began, with generous support from Brendalyn and the late Ernest Stempel, under the guidance of renowned architect John Rennie.

  12. Extensive restoration of the Roodebloem building, internally and externally, was completed.

  13. RPSA NPC is registered with SAQA (the South African Qualifications Authority); the Diploma courses are accredited with the CHE (Council on Higher Education); and the institution is registered with DHET (the Department of Higher Education and Training).

  14. The School acquired the Apostolic Church attached to the cottage of the School to create the new Stempel Studio and Laubscher Gallery.

  15. The School offers quality programmes and receives donor support from the National Lottery, National Arts Council, Brendalyn and Ernest Stempel Foundation, Rowland and Lita Hill Trust, Chiappini Trust, Western Cape Cultural Commission, St Leger Lindbergh Trust, Click Foundation, and SAFIM.

  16. Erik Laubscher passed away on 22 May 2013.

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