David Goldblatt

The photographs in this exhibition were made during two visits to Gamkaskloof in the 1960s. They were an attempt by me to become more closely acquainted with the lives, ways and values of Afrikaner people among whom I had lived my entire life, but realised, I hardly knew.  

In about 1968 I brought 80 of the photographs together in a book which, after some difficulties, was published in 1975 by a friend, Murray Crawford. The book was not well received and eventually it was remaindered at R2.50 per copy. It is now much sought after by libraries and collectors.  

RecentIy I decided to republish the book in an expanded edition. Some 20 photographs have been added, all of them from the work that l did in the 60s, several of them of subjects in Gamkaskloof.  

This exhibition is a tribute by me to the people who lived here and received me with much warmth in the 60’s. They were remarkably independent and, in my experience, gentle and open. South Africais the poorer for the disappearance of this community.