The Opening of the Conrad Theys Exhibition in the old KWV Brandy Cellar was a remakable event with so many stunning people and things on show that it would have been easy to lose one’s breath. The collection put on show, almost certainly for the first time in one venue, 60 of Conrad’s paintings. Most were on loan from the owner and only five or six were actually for Sale.

When last was such a collection of magnificent art seen in one venue in South Africa, leave alone Montagu?

The exhibition was opened by Willie Bester with Conrad Theys standing by his side; a celebrated pair of artists to have in town.

Willie, who is one of South Africa's most important living painters, spoke softly but confidently about his life. He won several rounds of applause from a big audience. They greatly respected his unprovocative observations about overcoming the racially imposed obstacles that were in place when he was first making his way in the world of art. He paid tribute to Conrad, saying he had been a personal inspiration.

Both he and Conrad are among Montagu’s most illustrious sons. Conrad was born here in 1940; Willie came a little later in 1956.

The exhibition was mounted in the wake of Montagu’s first Rose ‘Festival’ and so the exhibition rooms were still crowded with beautiful roses and flower arrangements; the setting was perfect.

The Rose Festival had also been quite a triumph, in particular for Marie van Deventer.

The organisers must all have been pleased that their dream had come true, despite more difficulties this year than before. It was a festival, and hopefully will always be. Marie must be congratulated on her incredible effort.

The theme was “We are Celebrating”.

All entries were winners in their own right, but for the record, here are the official results:

Shop Front

1. Disa Tronics
2. Neil se Huiswinkel
3. Blou Bul Slaghuis

Cut Roses

Queen, 1 st and 2 nd Princesses

Sankie Jordaan

Five Rose

Annelie Kriel
Most Points
Annelie Kriel

Arrangements

Rita Kriel’s '21st ‘Birthday’
Ilza Riley ’Doop’
Rina Brighton ‘Paasfees’