Heritage architect, and design and urban commentator Brian McKechnie is also the chair of Joburg’s oldest private member’s club, the Rand Club. When he’s not at the grande dame working on projects or weighing in on Joburg’s never-ending cultural debacles, he sneaks in socialising, browsing online auctions and walking his pointer, Ferris. Here’s what else is on his mind.
What’s the best book you read in the past year? And why?
Ever since I had to plough through case studies at business school, I’ve been terrible with books. I read halfway and then start another one. I loved Don Thompson’s The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art though. The author explores the structure and economies of the international art world, and it’s given me a completely new perspective on dealers, galleries, auctions, artists, even the artworks themselves – I couldn’t put it down!
How do you keep fit?
I try to squeeze in a gym session almost every day. It’s a great space to escape, even just for an hour. If I’m not on the floor I’m probably in the pool, where I train with a group of Rand Club friends. I wanted to swim Oceanman this past September, but I pulled out at the last minute.
Week night, lowkey restaurant go-to? What do you order?
Anything as long as it’s fish. Modena in Parkhurst does a grilled sole that I daydream about, but even a standard hake and chips from Turn ’n Tender in Cresta hits the spot.
What is the one artwork you’ll always love, and why?
I should say the Rothkos at the Tate Modern – they’re so architectural. But Matisse’s The Snail in the same gallery is my actual favourite. The bright colours are like instant sunshine (not plentiful in London) and if you look closely, you can even see the pin holes where the artist moved and rotated the cut-out, coloured paper squares until he achieved just the right effect. Thinking about it makes me happy.
What do you regret most?
Spending six years in architecture school and working in a career that’s not always focused on design.
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
Probably my AA card. I have an old-car addiction, and the AA call centre probably knows me on a first-name basis.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
Posh Spice (aka Victoria Beckham) all the way; she’s aged well too.
Three songs that you’d take to a desert island?
Only three? TLC’s Creep, from that perfect 1990s album, CrazySexyCool. Etta James singing At Last and something Michael Jackson … Billie Jean.
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