Hans Fransen Art and Architectural Historian and Author
A founder member of the Simon van der Stel Foundation.
Hans Fransen was born in Amsterdam in 1931where he began his study of architecture He moved to SA in 1955 where he completed a BA (UNISA), PhD (University of Natal).
During his career he was: Curator Stellenbosch Museum, Curator Groot Constantia, Assistant Director S.A. National Gallery, Senior lecturer History of Art, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Director Michaelis Collection.
Awards: Simon van der Stel Foundation Medal of Honour, Cape Times Award for Conservation, Knighthood in the Order of Orange-Nassau (Netherlands) DPhil, honoris causa, from Stellenbosch University
Publications include: More than 30 exhibition catalogues and brochures, 11 articles in specialised journals. Regular contributions in the Kultuurkroniek, and a column in Die Burger.
Books: The Old Houses of the Cape (co-author Mary Cook). Architectural Beauty of the Cape as seen by Arthur Elliott. Guide to the Museums of Southern Africa. The Cape Chair – Die Kaapse Stoel. Discover Historical Stellenbosch (co-author Christo Botha). The Old Buildings of the Cape (co-author Mary Cook). Drie Eeue Kuns in Suid-Afrika – Three Centuries of South African Art. A Cape Camera. Michaelis Collection, the Old Town House (compiler). A Guide to Old Buildings of the Cape (a total revision). Old Towns and Villages of the Cape.
