A Legacy Preserved: Custom Solander Boxes for Nelson Mandela
Handmade to house a powerful story
Studio Zetta was honoured to produce a series of six conservation-grade Solander boxes for one of the most significant figures of our time—Nelson Mandela.
Each box was handcrafted with the highest level of archival care, designed to house an extraordinary collection: a series of signed lithographs, the artist’s own handprint, and a motivational script personally penned by Mandela himself. These were not just objects—they were vessels of hope, resilience, and legacy.
The design process was grounded in preservation and reverence. We carefully selected materials that would stand the test of time, crafting each element to honour the importance of what lay within. Every detail was thoughtfully considered—from the internal construction to the understated exterior—ensuring both aesthetic beauty and conservation integrity.
These rare pieces found their way into the homes of some of the world’s most influential cultural figures, including Bono, Sting, Oprah Winfrey, and Sir Richard Branson.
This project stands as a powerful reminder of the role design can play in storytelling—elevating and protecting the messages that move the world.