Dieter Wickert-Ludemann 1956 – 2023
Our hearts go out to the passing of Dieter and his family and colleagues at DK Conservation, a man who made a difference in our arts community, kind, patient and loving who’s smile and warmth lit up the room.
Dieter was always an approachable, positive person who loved what he did as well as also made one feel respected and appreciated no matter what one brought in, Dieter and Keith had a magic of making the most rugged work of art into a beautiful swan. Many a time after he restored my yellow brown Pierneefs as if they had just been lifted from the lino hours before- I would ask him if he could perform the same incredible magic on my face.
Dieter was born in Pietermaritzberg 1n 1956, where as a child grew up on a farm where he spent many carefree days – as his father was a agricultural collage lecturer, he attended a small school on the Natal- Swaziland border and later graduated as an architect at the University of Natal. Dieter went on to work with the well respected Conservation Gawie Fagen Architects who completed many important conservation projects including the Castle of Good Hope. At this time Dieter decided to follow his real passion that of paper conservation, where he and Keith worked at Parliament. After a number of years Keith and Dieter decided to take the plunge and go into private practise forming DK Conservation based in Wynberg, after this they didn’t look back. To this regards the DK Conservators have trained many specialists and interns to form a strong dynamic and world class restoration company.
DK went on the repair many a damaged collection including the Tatham art collection that was damaged by water a few years ago. Dieter spent the last two happy years helping out at the Lutheran Church, Wynberg. A year ago Dieter was diagnosed with skin cancer that despite radiation and treatment spread rapidly, and a few days after entering a home he died peacefully on the 29 April 2023.
Dieter touched many people’s lives both in the incredible care he took with artwork and the brilliant results he delivered, but more so his humbleness and dedication to people. I am sure many collectors look up now and see Dieters incredible work on their walls right now, and smile with fond memories of a man who loved this art community, art and beauty. Dieter gave so much beauty and love to this world, we will miss him.
For more info see: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=730524018960294&set=a.298328632179837
The beautiful Lutheran Church, Wynberg, Cape Town, the selection of organ music is incredible and inspiring!