We found this remarkable letter from the early 1980s in the archives of the Egoli Heritage Foundation. It deals with a preservationist's dilemma regarding a a building called Somerset House in the Johannesburg CBD.
In reply to requests in your newspapers for information concerning Johannesburg's past I'm faced with a dilemma I should like to share with you, which with some help could be resolved. It concerns a small building in Fox Street called Somerset House (in Johannesburg's CBD), which was built in 1906.
Four years ago whilst still studying architecture I inadvertently stumbled across it. It struck me then as being one of the very few (or perhaps even the last) of a building type remaining, which was to be found commonly in Johannesburg between the years 1900 to 1920; a building containing an interval glass roofed court (a feature which was employed in the design of arcades and galleries).
Although it was (and still is) in a brutally neglected condition, its unique quality was immediately perceptible. Architecturally and spatially it is an extremely handsome example of Edwardian preference. I felt that this building ought to be preserved not only for the purpose of historical collection, but also as an example of a cunning design which makes use of natural light and ventilation whilst fulfilling office space requirements - the result being extremely pleasing.
I phoned the owner to ask permission if two friends and I could measure up and photograph the building for the purpose of recording it (just...
