Art, Reinvention, and Everyday Life
Sometimes a collaboration arrives through a constellation of people and ideas, a“yes” passed from one hand to another until it finds the place where it naturally belongs.
That’s how this project began.
Through a network of incredible individuals, the idea was brought to Wren to print Vladimir Tretchikoff’s artworks onto our ProtectPaper® products. What followed was a meeting of worlds: Vacay, The Fantastical Miss Wong (the custodians of Tretchi’s archive), and Wren coming together to reimagine iconic art in a fresh, functional way.
“The Fantastical Miss Wong” refers to The Fantastical Miss Wong (Pty) Ltd, the company holding the exclusive worldwide license to the works of Vladimir Tretchikoff.
Who Was Vladimir Tretchikoff?
Vladimir Tretchikoff was one of South Africa’s most celebrated and unconventional artists. Born in Russia and raised across Asia before settling in Cape Town, he became world-famous in the 20th century for his striking portraits, bold colour palettes, and fearless celebration of beauty. His works became household icons, bringing art into ordinary homes and earning him the title “The People’s Painter.”
A Personal Thread
My own family carries a small piece of his history - A word from Wendren
My grandfather worked at the printing company that produced many of his reproductions. The Tretchikoff name is woven into the memories of many South African families, stories of prints that hung quietly for years, undervalued at the time and now fetch astonishing prices as the art world has awakened to his legacy.
This collaboration feels, in many ways, like bringing that story full circle with Wren Design now printing Tretchikoff’s artwork — just as my grandfather once did.
Wren Design ProtectPaper® x Tretchikoff
This capsule collection celebrates reinvention, bringing Tretchikoff’s timeless imagery into modern life through Wren’s craftsmanship.
Using collage-inspired artwork, the range transforms iconic pieces into contemporary compositions, printed on our signature ProtectPaper® and crafted into everyday objects.
Each piece is functional, beautifully made, and designed to be used daily, a way of carrying art not just on your walls, but in your hands.
This collaboration bridges past and present, honouring Tretchi’s legacy while inviting it into the rhythm of everyday life.
A celebration of storytelling. A tribute to reinvention. And a reminder that art is meant to be lived with.
