Tucked away in the charming town of Simon’s Town is a modest abode that contains an extensive array of memorabilia spanning various historical and artistic periods. This hidden gem is passionately maintained by its guardian, Rear Admiral Arne Söderlund, a retired sailor with a heart of gold. Rather than charging admission fees, Söderlund greets guests with open arms and invites them to contribute to cancer and bone marrow research. Over the past ten years, he has raised more than R100,000 for the Sunflower Fund.
The Collector’s Journey
Söderlund’s extraordinary collecting journey began in his childhood in the town of Kimberley. Starting at the tender age of nine, he has spent 65 years amassing a remarkable array of rare items. Among his collection, Söderlund possesses an ANC flag from the historic signing of the Freedom Charter, a contentious Nazi swastika flag, a Purple Heart medal, and even an eclectic mix of airsickness bags.
“I have some fascinating and unique items,” Söderlund proudly reveals, alluding to the upcoming arrival of a meticulously crafted model ship. While military memorabilia constitutes the core of his collection, Söderlund’s diverse interests include shaving equipment, pots, flags, and even gazunders (chamber pots) – objects that pique his curiosity.
The Den of Antiquity – Junk and Disorderly
Named “The Den of Antiquity – Junk and Disorderly,” Söderlund’s haven is filled with naval uniforms, vintage gramophones, bottles, badges, and an assortment of intriguing curios. Enhancing the appeal is his cozy “pub,” the Cock and Bull, where visitors can unwind and absorb the rich ambiance.
A centerpiece amid the ocean of memorabilia is a vivid photograph of Söderlund’s three daughters, a symbol of hope within the predominantly monochrome environment. It was his daughter’s leukemia diagnosis in 2011 that profoundly affected the family and paved the way for Söderlund’s philanthropic pursuits. With only 63,000 bone marrow donors in South Africa, finding a match for his daughter seemed nearly insurmountable.
After searching the entire world, they discovered three potential donors – hailing from Brazil, the United States, and Germany. However, the quest to save his daughter’s life was filled with obstacles: one donor was pregnant, another never replied, and the third suffered from a severe illness. When all hope appeared to be gone, a miracle transpired, and a life-saving stem cell donation was finally found within the family.
A Platform for Noble Causes
This transformative experience motivated Söderlund to devote his efforts to raising funds for the Sunflower Fund. With the organization’s rebranding to DKMS Africa, his focus shifted to supporting the South African Bone Marrow Registry. Instead of requiring payment to enter The Den of Antiquity, Söderlund kindly asks for donations, generously imparting his vast knowledge and stories contained within each artifact.
Söderlund’s impressive assemblage is a testament to his passion for history and art, but more significantly, it serves as a platform for supporting noble endeavors. As he entertains visitors with tales and experiences, he exemplifies the power of human perseverance and the influence a single person can have on the lives of countless others.
In conclusion, Rear Admiral Arne Söderlund’s Den of Antiquity is not only a tribute to history and culture but also a shining example of hope and generosity, highlighting the significance of unity and empathy in our ever-changing world.
