Standard Edition: 69 pages, full-page plates of watercolour and sepia ink portraits, cream cloth with red titling on the upper cover and spine, a good copy in slightly worn dust jacket.
Exploring the Legacy of Gerard T. Bhengu (https://gtbhengu.com/about/), ‘Gerard T. Bhengu’s art continues to resonate deeply within the South African cultural landscape. His meticulous portrayals of Zulu life and traditions offer invaluable insights into the country’s rich heritage. Today, his works are celebrated not only for their artistic merit but also for their role in preserving and honouring the cultural narratives of a bygone era. Bhengu’s influence is evident in contemporary South African art, where his themes of dignity and cultural identity inspire new generations of artists. His legacy is a testament to the power of art to transcend time and bridge cultural divides, ensuring that the stories of the past remain vibrant and relevant in the present.’
South African History on Line (https://sahistory.org.za/people/gerard-bhengu) ‘Gerard Bhengu was born on 6 September 1910 in Outstation of Mariannhill Mission Station, Centecow, Bulwer district, Southern Natal. Bhengu received his early education at the Roman Catholic Mission School of Esibomvwini at Centecow, in the Creighton region of Natal. From 1926 - 31 Bhengu produced 150 drawings for Dr Max Kohler as documentation of rural tribal life in Centecow. Kohler used some of these drawings to illustrate his ethnographic and medical publications. In 1932 and 1933 the artist lived in Ixopo, Mariannhill where he was commissioned by Bishop Fleischer to paint a number of pictures with religious themes. From 1934 to 1937 he attended Edendale Training College under the sponsorship of Dr D. M. Malcolm, Chief Inspector of Native Education in Natal and Mr S. R. Dent, Inspector of Native Education. He was taught by Reverend Nixon.
‘The Department of Native Affairs commissioned Bhengu to paint a mural for the Empire Exhibition which was to depict the development of blacks 'from village to university''. Bhengu never completed the mural and was dismissed by Malcom and Dent. He nevertheless attended the Empire exhibition in Johannesburg. From 1940 to 1949 he painted scenes of everyday black life as well as portraits of black people which were sold in Payne Brothers Department Store in West Street in Durban. Throughout his career Bhengu received encouragement from H.I.E. Dhlomo. Bhengu was patronised by Killie Campbell as well as the herbalist Edward Gwazindoda Tembe who commissioned two large murals for his shop in Durban.’
'From 1959 the artist lived in Cato Manor until it was demolished, when he moved to Umlazi Township, Durban. In the 1960s he illustrated a book on his life and work written by Phyllis Savory. He died in 1990.'
- Overall Condition: Very good
- Size: Folio (365 x 280 mm)
