On the 13 December 1982, the first of a series of ceramic plaques was unveiled by the Historical Society of Port Elizabeth. The project leader, Hans Huisman, explained that although many old buildings qualified for the National Monuments Council bronze plaques in terms of age, alterations and additions had detracted from some of the recipients’ original status. It was agreed that they be recognised in a unique way. Initially, the ceramic blue tiles were individually produced for these historical sites by potters, but consistency in appearance detracted from their impact. The project was revived in 2016 using circular, blue, fibreglass plaques with laser cut inscriptions.
Below is Part 1 of a series highlighting the blue plaques of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
Sunnyside - 24 Bird Street, Central
The first ceramic plaque, produced by artist Vilia Offerman, was affixed to “Sunnyside” in Bird Street in 1982. This was sponsored by the Standard Bank, unveiled by the then regional manager, Mr Monty Surmon, and hosted by the owners of the Sunnyside Hotel. The original house was built in 1855 by a German settler, von Rhonn, on land granted to the British settler, W B Frames. In 1873 it was bought by the Standard Bank (a financial institution founded in Port Elizabeth) as a prestige home for its General Manager. In 1938 it was sold as a boarding house and after World War II it was converted into a hotel. In 2011 there was a plan to transform the building into a three-star establishment as...
