MEMORIES and history is something precious to eMdloti resident, Gareth Nezar. This is why he spent the last eight years collecting dozens of vintage furniture from the 1960s and 1970s. This year he moved his collection to his studio in Durban, where the items have created a spectacular retro theme, which had recently caught the eye of the MTV Base Africa producers.

In July the architect’s office hosted American entrepreneur and philanthropist, Bill Gates where they filmed a documentary, MTV Base Meets Bill Gates, which explores technology, innovation and development in Africa.

“The most exciting part for me was setting-up the stage with my vintage collection. I eventually decided to seat Bill Gates in an original South African Railway (SAR/SAS) chair,” said Nezar. 

The 42-year-old’s favourite item is a green lounge chair, which was made in 1969. Nezar said he bought the chair from a woman in Westville and after inspecting the chair saw a stamp which indicated that the chair was made 47 years ago.

In addition to the SARs chairs the vintage enthusiast also has two chairs and a table from the Second Boer War, old school desks and several old cameras, one which is over a 120 years old.

“Every single item from my collection has history and meaning behind them. I am drawn to the memories and meaning. I find it fascinating.  I believe that trends recycle themselves every ten or 20 years, because the older you get the more you want to surround yourself with things that remind you of your youth,” he said. 

The show is set to air in Africa on MTV Base on 5 August at 5.30pm.

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