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Tucked away along a pedestrian lane and nestled between the Standard Bank and the Golden Acre Mall, lies one of Cape Town’s oldest and most iconic markets. Called the Trafalgar Place Flower market, it is most commonly known as the Adderley Street Flower market to locals. If you have had the pleasure of coming across this gem, you’ll soon realise that you are no longer in a busy street, but rather in a floral treasure trove; a place rich with culture and history.
The women and men who work here often stem from a long line of floral merchants who have passed on their knowledge to the generation of flower sellers below them. Some of the sellers in today’s market are fourth generation. They have called themselves “Blomdraers” – or ‘flower carriers’. But its not just flowers that they carry; the Blomdraers are also the carriers of knowledge in the flower business and each of them has their own story, history and heritage.
If you visit the market monthly, you’ll notice that the sellers have shifted. They have devised a rotational system where each flower stall gets a two month slot at what most call ‘the front row’ where they have access to the most foot traffic and a better chance of selling their blooming goods. The market is open 24/7 and during the evenings the front row stalls stay open for people passing by in case anyone wants to purchase a bunch of flowers on their way home from work.
Each flower seller has a telephone number whereby you can contact them and order a bouquet and have it delivered to your place of work or home. Payments can be made through EFT, credit cards or Snapscan. Perhaps before you buy your next bouquet, spare a thought for the flower sellers of Adderley Street.
Artist Statement:
Although many locals and foreigners frequent the market, very little is known about it’s history and heritage. Despite its rich history and cultural importance, the market’s story often remains untold. To this day, there is no plaque or board providing us with their story. This has left a gap in recognising and honouring the individuals who have shaped the market’s legacy. Through this exhibition, I hope to bring to light the individuals who make a living at Trafalgar Place and recognise their heritage.
– Jackie Veldman
Click here to view other available works by Jackie Veldman
Randall’s Flowers
Gouache on Paper
42 x 47cm
R8 400 sold
Shafieka’s Flowers
Gouache on Paper
38 x 24cm
R6 500 sold
Claudia’s Flowers
Gouache on Paper
38 x 24cm
R6 500 sold
Edmund’s Flowers
Gouache on Paper
38 x 24cm
R6 500 sold
Shafieka’s affectionate moniker as the “baby of the market” may stem from her comparatively shorter time at the market. Although she is a 4th generation flower seller at the market, she started out selling flowers at a local Fruit and Veg City. Her mother-in-law asked her to take over the business at Trafalgar Place and she has been working there for the past twelve years.
Her husband, Abdul-Gamiet is also from a long line (4th generation) of flower sellers on his father’s side. Shafieka is lively and loves a good chat. When I was planning this show, she was busy working on bouquets for the then, upcoming Eid celebration, where many people flock to the market for bouquets for centre pieces on their tables.
Shafieka’s dedication and energy make her a force to be reckoned with. When asked if there was anything else she wanted to tell me, her response was, “I just love to sell flowers!”
You can contact Shafieka on 0791609708
Randall works together with Delia at her stand. Before working at the market he used to do events and would source his flowers from Delia. He tells me that the two of them have a very deep connection and get on well with one another.
“Everything is just all happening in time like a time capsule, I’m really happy I can be in this space. They’ve (the other flower sellers) allowed me in which is very rare, but they also know where I come from and they knew my mother and her heritage. My heritage came from here, however my heritage here broke away about 40 years ago and moved to the northern suburbs, as it was too complex here. My mom started the legacy here so I was born into the flowers.”
He chose a beautiful selection of blue and purple stocks for his bunch.
You can contact Randall through Delia on 0725593414.
Married for 26 years, Claudia married into the business and has been working at the market with Edmund for 25 years. The couple have such a lovely demeanor and you can see they love working and spending the day together at the market.
Claudia chose, a yellow, white and green theme for her range.
The bouquet includes, Casa Blancas, Eucalyptus, white and yellow Chrysanthemums, button Chrysanthemums and Masemolias. She loves the colour theme of the bouquet and Casa Blancas are her favourite flower because they last long and give off a lovely aroma.
You can reach Claudia on 0799199827.
I met Edmund while he was creating a bouquet of sunflowers for a customer.
Although quite shy Edmund, is a very friendly gentleman who shows a deep passion for his trade. Edmund chose an interesting combination of flowers for his bouquet. It consisted of cabbage flowers, red lilies, roses and chrysanthemums. “These are all the different flowers I like”.
You can reach Edmund through Claudia on 0799199827.
