Nature of project: Nelson Mandela has received a vast number of gifts ranging from official state gifts to those given by individuals. What is remarkable about these is the range. Almost every country on earth has honoured him, often many times by multiple institutions within a country. Individuals, school groups, companies and countless others have also been moved to make some kind of response to his life and the example that he sets for courage and the attainment of freedom against huge odds.

The state gifts are interesting in their range although fairly typical of their kind (medals, certificates and similar items), but the objects donated by individuals and informal groups are extraordinary in their spectrum and for the perceptions and insights they reveal.

The exhibition displays a large collection of these gifts. It shows the huge degree of concern and honour that exists for Mandela and shows how Mandela represents good to so many people. Through the variety of objects chosen, it shows how his appeal crosses nationalities, race and age groups and other traditional demographic divides. It also shows the concern for Mandela’s comfort and health. The challenge of this exhibition was to catalogue the vast collection of gifts at the Mandela Foundation and to display them in such a way that highlighted certain themes.

Key responsibilities:
Project management
Curation
Collections
Script writing
Exhibition design
Supervision of manufacturing and installation
Installation of permanent exhibition

trace personnel involved:
Clive van den Berg – Curator and designer
Nabeel Essa – Designer and architect
Lauren Segal – Writer