Oude Leeskamer is honoured to present a special exhibition of works by Alexander Rose-Innes (1915–1996), one of South Africa’s most distinctive painters.

Rose-Innes, renowned for his evocative cityscapes and atmospheric depictions of everyday life, developed a deeply personal visual language. His muted colour palette and sensitive brushwork captured both the melancholy and the quiet poetry of the South African landscape and built environment. A native of Beaufort West, Rose-Innes began taking art classes as a young teenager at the Art School of the Port Elizabeth Technical College, where his potential as an artist was nurtured.

Although he later led a relatively secluded life, his work resonated with critics and collectors for its sense of silence, introspection, and unpretentious beauty. His paintings continue to invite viewers into contemplative spaces, offering a glimpse of South African life imbued with intimacy yet marked by universality.

This exhibition is especially significant, as it marks the first occasion on which such a substantial portion of Jannie’s art collection is shared with the public. It offers a rare opportunity to experience Rose-Innes’s works in dialogue with one another, revealing the artist’s quiet mastery and the enduring relevance of his vision.