Strauss & Co executive director Susie Goodman is an auction house ace, important fixture in South Africa’s art world and a champion of how creativity can impact society meaningfully. The proud Joburger is also great fun and brings warmth and wit to the worlds of art and luxury. Here, she shares a little more about life beyond the gavel.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year—and why?
The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell. It’s a true story about a teacher in Argentina, who is on holiday in Uruguay and rescues a penguin from an oil slick. The penguin refuses to leave him. The story is the most wonderful human tale of the penguin, a man, a school, and being a confidant to the school rugby mascot. It is kind, gentle and special. A small why is … I love penguins.
How do you keep fit?
I walk and should be upping the pilates – it’s magic in protecting my back. When I’m asked how I keep fit, I immediately think “oh no, I should be walking more …” My brain is, however, very well exercised working in a hugely dynamic African auction house where no day is ever the same – and I do love it (and the walking too).
Weeknight, low-key restaurant go-to?
Home – for the best steak, crème fraîche with wasabi, sweet potatoes and a green salad in Melville. I married an Englishman, so this is always followed with pudding – a favourite being baked apples. Not too shabby with a delicious bottle of South African wine.
Art you’ll always love?
When you work in the extraordinary world of auctions every day and can hang a different artwork in your office every week, you’re very spoilt for options. The different subjects, art periods, mediums and prices – really, there’s too much choice – it’s such a treat! That said, if money was no object I would own Dorothy Kay’s Portrait of Cookie Annie Mavata and Sir Stanley Spencer’s The Bridle Path, Cookham.
Do you have a hobby?
Yes! Quilting, ceramics and puzzles.
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
Earl Grey tea and Philosykos by Diptyque.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
Pierce Brosnan. And let’s be honest, he’s still got it.
Three songs you’d take to a desert island?
I Am … I Said, by Neil Diamond; World Without Love, by The Mavericks; and Bamboléo, by Gipsy Kings.
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