C A P E D U T C H
It is not my inclination to record the Cape Dutch style of architecture - it is very well covered in any number of books and publications. Yet the origin of my interest in photographing heritage stems from this very form.
When I attended a photography course at the Ruth Prowse School of Art my teacher was Ray Ryan, who had a particular focus in this area. Being dragged out in the early hours to capture just the right light on a particular structure left a lasting impression.
In his book 'Beautiful Homesteads of the Western Cape' (1972) his enthusiasm for our endemic architecture may be seen.
This section is dedicated to Ray Ryan.
When I attended a photography course at the Ruth Prowse School of Art my teacher was Ray Ryan, who had a particular focus in this area. Being dragged out in the early hours to capture just the right light on a particular structure left a lasting impression.
In his book 'Beautiful Homesteads of the Western Cape' (1972) his enthusiasm for our endemic architecture may be seen.
This section is dedicated to Ray Ryan.
K e r s e f o n t e i n
Originally purchased by Martin Melck in 1770, Kersefontein is the record of the Melck family, starting with the remarkable success of the first settler.
The first deed described the farm as a zeker Veepost (certain cattle post) and it was precisely for this that Martin Melck intended to use it. Sheep, cattle, horses and wheat have continued to flourish on the farm for two centuries.
The eighth generation owner Julian Melck continues with these traditional farming activities.
The first deed described the farm as a zeker Veepost (certain cattle post) and it was precisely for this that Martin Melck intended to use it. Sheep, cattle, horses and wheat have continued to flourish on the farm for two centuries.
The eighth generation owner Julian Melck continues with these traditional farming activities.
V a l k e n b e r g
This building is credited with being built some time after 1746, although there is mention of an earlier, smaller house on the farm before this time. This is the best preserved of the numerous farms that lined the Liesbeeck River (see the book Wheatfields and Windmills by Jim Hislop).
NOTE: House being renovated january 2015.
NOTE: House being renovated january 2015.
W e l g e l e g e n
The large house on the estate in Mowbray is a design by Herbert Baker, in the Cape Dutch revival style, completed between 1899 and 1902.The possibility exists that parts of an original construction are contained within the fabric of the present building.
G r o o t e P o s t
Klavervallei, which makes up part of modern Groote Post and houses a restaurant. Opposite in what was the original VOC fort - note the shooting slots - is the wine cellar for the farm.