Irma Stern Trust committed to safeguarding and advancing Stern’s legacy
Johannesburg – 3 November 2025
The Irma Stern Trust reaffirms its commitment to preserving and advancing the legacy of Irma Stern, particularly in light of recent discussions on various media platforms regarding changes to the agreement with the University of Cape Town (UCT). We understand the importance of honouring her contribution to SA’s cultural landscape and ensuring that her influence endures.
The Irma Stern Trust would also like to express its sincere gratitude to UCT for its 56-year partnership in stewarding the Museum. As outlined in the original 1969 Memorandum of Agreement, the Collection remained the exclusive property of the Trustees, while UCT assumed responsibility for its physical care and safety. With the conclusion of this agreement, the Trust is now in the process of reacquiring The Firs from UCT, in accordance with a sale agreement that reflects the terms of the original cancellation clause.
The Trustees are deeply committed to preserving and enhancing Irma Stern’s legacy. We understand that these changes have prompted concern, and we wish to reassure the public that The Firs will remain a vital part of Stern’s story. The Firs will remain intact, and the building will go through a refurbishment process starting in early 2026. A professional architectural assessment commissioned by the Trust in 2023 confirmed that the current structure does not meet museum-grade requirements and poses risks to the integrity of Stern’s collection.
To safeguard the collection, the most vulnerable works will, for the time being, be relocated to a custom-designed facility dedicated to conservation and restoration. While this facility will not be open to the public for now, it will be accessible for academic and archival research, ensuring that Stern’s work continues to inspire and inform future generations.
We also wish to clarify the use of proceeds from the 2022 auction conducted by Strauss & Co. All funds have been reinvested into the Trust’s operations, including insurance, maintenance, and storage of the Collection, as well as strategic investments to support future initiatives.
The Trust will host a series of public engagements in the coming weeks. These will include consultations with key stakeholders to finalise refurbishment plans and explore new ways to share Stern’s art and legacy with a wider audience, in alignment with her wishes. A public consultation will also be held at the Clocktower building at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on November 13th at 3pm.
Looking ahead, the Trust is excited to unveil a revitalised strategy to preserve Stern’s legacy, with new initiatives planned for 2026 and 2027. These will be announced in detail once finalised. We are grateful for the continued support and enthusiasm of the public and the friends of the Irma Stern Museum. The Trustees remain steadfast in their commitment to honouring Stern’s enduring contribution to South Africa’s cultural landscape and to ensuring her legacy continues to flourish.
For media queries, please contact: Nedbankmedia@nedbank.co.za
Note to editors: The Irma Stern Trust is administered by the Nedgroup Trust
