In 1936, Johannesburg hosted the British Empire Exhibition and for this illustrious major event, the JMT – Johannesburg Municipal Tramways, ordered 50 modern trams from Metropolitan Cammell in Birmingham, England. These streamlined double-deck trams represented the last word in modern tramcar design. Seating was provided for 32 passengers on the lower deck and 44 upstairs – total 76.
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
Our most famous sculptor arrived in South Africa as a prisoner of war yet chose to remain. Trained as an artist in Italy, from 1959 Villa produced the majority of his works in his studio on this property. In 1968, three years after marrying Claire Zafirakos, the couple moved into their new home, this distinctive house, designed by their friend, architect Ian McLennan. Edoardo Villa died here in 2011 aged 95.