In 1936, Johannesburg hosted the British Empire Exhibition and for this illustrious major event, the JMT – Johannesburg Municipal Tramways, ordered 50 modern trams from Metropolitan Cammell in Birmingham, England. These streamlined double-deck trams represented the last word in modern tramcar design. Seating was provided for 32 passengers on the lower deck and 44 upstairs – total 76.
BOOK REVIEWS
‘Geomotional’ is a remarkable and beautifully illustrated exploration of – as the sub-title says – ‘Geometric art, past and present’. The book, which has us journey through images, words, poetry and song, and gives account of a ‘performance-installation’, is compiled by Mary Elizabeth Lange, who is prolific in her writings on Indigenous art and story, and various intersections with heritage.
BLUE PLAQUES
Indian leader Mohandas Gandhi lived here from 1904 to 1906 together with his wife Kasturba and sons Manilal, Ramdas and Devdas. They shared the house with Henry Polak, Gandhi’s friend and colleague in his law office. In 1905 they were joined by Polak’s wife Millie, who describes the house in her book on Gandhi: