Frystark ‘Rhona’ Sideboard in Sapele Mahogany
South Africa, 1960s
The ‘Rhona’ is one of the most generous models in Frystark’s Danish-inspired Status range. At over two metres, it was built for entertaining.
It carries the hallmarks of Status design: sculpted recessed pulls set into door and drawer fronts, sapele veneer with a soft ribbon figure that deepens across the top, and turned, tapered legs joined by a shaped, arched stretcher that lifts the case visually off the floor.
The layout is practical and well balanced. A double-door cupboard with adjustable shelving sits on the left, and a bank of four drawers includes a green baize-lined, divided cutlery drawer. On the right, a lockable drop-down drinks cabinet opens on a brass stay, with its original glass shelf intact. Like all Status pieces, it was finished to stand as a room divider, and this example keeps its original finished reverse.
About the maker
Brothers Derek and Owen Frye began manufacturing furniture in Port Elizabeth in 1948, sourcing their veneers, oils and design direction from Europe. In 1959 they merged with G.H. Starck Ltd of Cape Town, moving production to the Starck factory in Ndabeni and gaining national distribution under the name D. and O. Frye, Starck & Co., shortened to Frystark. Through the 1960s the company was among the most accomplished furniture makers in South Africa, building to Danish design principles with a standard of cabinetmaking that has held up considerably better than most of its contemporaries’. When AFCOL acquired the group in 1968, production shifted to the more conservative Unita ranges, ending Frystark’s classic mid-century era. Status range pieces in this condition are increasingly difficult to find.
All Vintage Club pieces are carefully considered for authenticity, provenance and condition before acquisition. Restoration is undertaken in-house to the highest standard.
Maker: Frystark
Country: South Africa
Period: 1960s
Materials: Sapele mahogany veneer on solid frame
Dimensions: L 206 × D 46 × H 76 cm
Condition Report
Very good restored condition. It has been stripped and refinished in-house. The drawer interiors keep their original surfaces, with light handling wear to the drawer sides. The doors close securely, and the drinks cabinet drops smoothly on its brass stay. As with all authentic mid-century pieces, gentle signs of age remain and are considered part of their character. Please refer to the photographs for a closer look.
