In 1811 Joseph de Maistre wrote that every nation gets the government it deserves. By extension then, it also get the heritage it merits, and as building after building in our city centres continue to fall before the demolisher’s hammer, many white South Africans have been left wondering exactly what they have done to warrant the destruction of so many of their memories.
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
Three magnificent pairs of wrought-iron gates facing onto Barnato Street, Park Lane and Beatrice Lane. Only the gate piers remain on Tudhope Avenue. These along with a gatekeeper's cottage at the Barnato Street entrance are the only relics which remain of Barney Barnato's country mansion, the site of which is now occupied by the Barnato Park High School.