House of stone
Once a refrigerator salesman, Roy Guthrie built Chapungu Sculpture Park into the largest private collection of Zimbabwean stone sculpture. In this post I recount my pre-Covid visit to Doone Estate, trace the history of Shona stone sculpture and explain Guthrie’s role as curator, broker and archive-builder.
Rolly's Take
You may find yourself drawn to this blog if you see art as a living testament to history, where every stone whispers stories of resilience and culture. It speaks to the curious traveler who seeks to understand the complex tapestry of a place beyond its picturesque façade, as well as the passionate collector who appreciates the intricate dance between commerce and creativity. There’s a quiet reverence here for the unsung heroes of the art world, capturing the essence of a nation's spirit through the hands that shaped its legacy. In tracing the journey of Roy Guthrie, the blog unearths not just an individual’s path, but a broader narrative that invites reflection on the interwoven destinies of people and their crafts.