BOWLER, Thomas William — Pictorial Album of Cape Town with Views of Simon's Town, Port Elizabeth and Graham's Town (1966 Centenary Edition, Limited & Numbered)
Description
A highly collectible, beautifully presented mid-century visual archive of 19th-century South Africa. Originally published by J.C. Juta in 1866, this magnificent 1966 Centenary Edition by C. Struik faithfully reproduces the definitive landscape art of Thomas William Bowler, the Cape's most celebrated colonial-era artist.
The volume features 12 vibrant, full-page coloured plates capturing historic, panoramic views of Cape Town, Simon’s Town, Port Elizabeth, and Graham’s Town, alongside authoritative historical and descriptive sketches by W.R. Thomson.
This specific lot is Copy No. 612 of a strictly limited print run of 750 numbered copies. A critical enhancement to this lot is the inclusion of the original descriptive booklet insertion housed in the rear pocket, featuring expert commentary by the preeminent Africana authority, Dr Frank R. Bradlow. It is a cornerstone acquisition for any serious collector of South African topography, maritime history, and colonial art.
Detailed Specifications
- Artist: Thomas William Bowler (1812–1869)
- Text / Sketches: W.R. Thomson
- Commentary Insertion: Dr Frank R. Bradlow (Housed in rear pocket)
- Title: Pictorial Album of Cape Town with Views of Simon's Town, Port Elizabeth and Graham's Town
- Publisher: C. Struik (Pty.) Ltd., Cape Town
- Year Published: 1966 (Centenary Edition)
- Edition: First Edition Thus / Limited & Numbered (Copy No. 612 of 750)
- Format: Hardcover (Issued without dust jacket); 44 pages of letterpress text + 12 coloured plates.
- Binding: Original publisher's green cloth boards with a striking, decorative gilt-embossed inscription on the upper cover.
- Size: Oblong 4to / Large Folio (285 x 380 mm; Approx. 2 cm thickness)
Condition Report
- Binding Condition: Very Good. The binding remains perfectly tight, structurally square, and sound with no loose pages.
- Overall Condition: Very Good. Internally clean and beautiful with excellent plate preservation.
- Cover Wear: The original green cloth cover exhibits typical, light scuffing and shelf wear along the spine, boards, and outer edges, though the decorative gilt remains bright.
- Size: Large Folio 285 x 380 mm
