Industrial Decor now on display at The Tryst, Johannesburg
Some things just fit.
The Tryst in Kramerville has exposed brick walls, steel beams, warehouse textures, working conversations, coffee cups on tables, entrepreneurs building things, people collaborating, creating, solving problems and dreaming out loud.
And now, Industrial Decor hangs on those walls too.
I’m incredibly proud to share that a curated selection of Industrial Decor pieces is now on display (and available for purchase) at The Tryst in Johannesburg.
For those who don’t know the story behind the work:
Years ago, I was asked to help clear out my grandfather’s old engineering factory.
Hidden away in the upper storage loft were decades worth of industrial pattern moulds, machine parts, prototypes and forgotten pieces of South African engineering history.
One by one, I carried them down a ladder from what I jokingly called “the attic.” And somewhere in that process, getting to see each piece, I decided to salvage them, and not throw them away.
The wear marks. The handwritten factory notes. The old paint. The gorgeous patina. All the evidence of human hands and decades of work.
They had such a charm about them and felt too important to landfill.
So over the years, those salvaged pieces have slowly became wall art, mirrors, tables, lighting, wall hangings and functional decor – each one still carrying the marks of its previous life.
That journey has now led into a new chapter.
Why The Tryst makes sense
The Tryst is more than a venue.
It’s a gathering place for entrepreneurs, freelancers, creators and small business owners. It’s where the Suits & Sneakers community (founded by the energetic Mark Sham) hosts events, conversations, workshops and collaborations focused on helping people build meaningful businesses and connections.
That spirit aligns deeply with what Industrial Decor is about. This has never been about mass production or trend-driven decor.
It’s about story.
History.
Craftsmanship.
Conversation pieces with soul.
So placing these pieces into a working entrepreneurial environment, instead of a traditional showroom, feels far more authentic.
The walls now hold pieces that once lived inside engineering factories for decades. Only now, they sit inside rooms filled with modern builders and problem-solvers.
That full-circle moment is not lost on me.
What you can expect
Throughout The Tryst, you’ll now find:
- Large engineering pattern mould wall hangings
- Salvaged pully mould installation known as the Barrel Range
- A vintage Bedford Truck piece
- All one-of-a-kind reclaimed industrial decor.
Every displayed piece is available for purchase. Visitors can scan QR codes beside the installations to learn more about the pieces and browse the wider collection online.
A space that fits the work
One of the things I love most is how naturally our pieces settled into the space.
The raw brick.
The warehouse atmosphere.
The softer furniture layered against industrial textures.
It proves something I’ve believed for a long time: Industrial style decor does not have to feel cold.
When balanced properly, these old factory pieces bring warmth, texture, grounding and story into a space in a way mass-produced decor simply cannot.
Come visit
If you’re part of the Johannesburg entrepreneurial community, or simply love spaces with character, come spend some time at The Tryst in Kramerville. For now, this space is open to all to work from it.
Grab a coffee.
Attend an event.
Have a meeting.
Wander the walls.
And maybe you’ll find a piece with a story that belongs in your own space next.
👉 Explore the full collection in our online shop or visit The Tryst (map here) to experience the pieces in person.
And a big thank you to Thomas of Dial ‘n Boer who helped make this installation happen.
