DEKAT DIGITAL 2019 - 2020

Relief came in the form of Neillen van Kraayenburg, an experienced businessman with a love for
books and history. In order to safeguard the valuable collection, over a six-month period in 2012
Van Kraayenburg moved the entire bookshop to a smallholding in Kya Sands and established it
under a new name – Thorold’s Book Farm.
His dedication and business acumen helped to stabilise the business, and he was a well-recognised
and respected collector in the South African arts community. Unfortunately, Van Kraayenburg’s
sudden death meant the collection once again suffered a setback. Van Kraayenburg’s partner, wellknown
photographer Merwelene van der Merwe, inherited Thorold’s Book Farm, but her partner’s
death left a huge void in her life and Merwelene left the running of the business to his experienced
personnel. Only after she had finally processed her pain did Merwelene realise the Thorold’s legacy was in trouble.
It was essential for Merwelene to treat the treasures left to her with the necessary respect they deserved. She needed to
find homes for the items, but the right kind of homes, where they would be valued and cherished for what they were.
Taking care of the business meant the beginning of a new chapter in her life and she called in the help of her sisters,
Hannelie, who lives in Robertson in the Western Cape, and Vanya from Spain.
In 2017, the sisters presented an international book show that was attended by buyers ranging from Middle Eastern
royalty to book dealers and serious collectors. More than half of Thorold’s treasure trove was sold; almost 30 000
items remain. After seven years, Thorold’s is finally being wound up, and Merwelene now faces the challenge of
finding a safe haven for the remainder of the collection. Her solution is to involve specialists who will select the best,
most valuable items and offer them at antiquarian auctions. One hundred and fifteen years after its establishment,
Thorold’s is coming to an end – but in name only. These treasures will forever enrich the lives of those who are
fortunate enough to have gained access to their world.
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