In the short article below, Oscar Norwich, Johannesburg historian and collector, looks at the lives and mansions of a few of the Randlords. These were the men who shaped the history of early Johannesburg following the discovery of the largest goldfield on earth. The piece first appeared in the old Johannesburg Historical Foundation's journal 'Between the Chains'.
ARTICLES
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
The Roodepoort Library was formerly the first permanent offices for the Roodepoort-Maraisburg Municipality, and was declared a National Monument in 1985. Completed in 1906, the building was designed by Charles Hosking, and a west wing was added in 1918 by the famous architectural firm of Baker and Fleming. The building remained municipal offices until 1936.