# Bertram House

- **Country:** South Africa
- **Year Built:** 1854
- **Location Text:** Gardens

Bertram House is a historic two-story residence located on the Hiddingh Campus of the University of Cape Town in the Gardens suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. Constructed between 1839 and 1854 by attorney John Barker, the building stands as the city's only surviving unpainted red brick example of early Georgian architecture. Barker named the home in memory of his late wife, Ann Bertram Findlay. Due to its unique architectural integrity and cultural value, the structure was declared a national monument in 1962 and currently remains a protected provincial heritage site under national legislation.

The property has served various functions throughout its existence, transitioning from a private family home to university offices in 1903, and later becoming state property in 1930. A comprehensive restoration undertaken in 1983 and 1984 returned the facade to its original glory using ornamental bricks and slate imported from Wales, while the interior was repainted in period-accurate dark green and ocher tones with Regency-style decorations in the lobby. Since these renovations, the building has operated as a museum managed by the South African Cultural History Museum, now part of the Iziko Museums group.

Today, Bertram House houses the Anne Lidderdale Collection, which features significant Georgian furniture alongside English and Chinese porcelain donated by prominent early nineteenth-century families. While historically focused on these artifacts, the museum currently exhibits beadwork and postage stamps. Beyond its role as an exhibition space, the venue has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub known for hosting book launches and music concerts, ensuring its continued relevance within the local community while preserving its status as a landmark of South African architectural history.

![Photo of Bertram House](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/9_2_018_0190-Bertram_House-Cape_Town-s.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bertram_House (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)