Our Story


waboom, fynbos, protea, hand drawn, illustration, cape town

SILVAN was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 2018.  We manufacture and source (mostly!) botanically themed products, celebrating the vast talent and visionary work of local makers.

‘Silvan’ is of old Latin, meaning ‘of or relating to the woods.’  The word speaks to our relationship with nature as formative not only in our experiences of the world but equally, as an endless source of inspiration.  Within our own product ranges, original works of art by our founder Pierre have been adapted into a variety of formats, including prints, greeting cards and textiles for homeware and accessories.  Artistic content celebrates South Africa’s rich botanic diversity, particularly that of the Cape Floristic region, a biodiversity hotspot and an area that is known for a very high degree of botanic endemism.  The iconic fynbos and protea frequently adorn our products.  We also manufacture easy-wearing bamboo/cotton knitwear, perfectly suited to the South African climate: lightweight and silky to the touch!  Over time we have gradually expanded our range to encompass several product lines, and these are complimented by wares sourced from other local makers.

We aim to involve local businesses so far as possible in our supply chain, with much of our own production development and manufacturing operations local to Cape Town.  We are passionate about delivering quality in terms of product and service, and as we have grown, remain committed to maintaining this standard.