A short distance from the entrance to the Market Theatre is the famous jazz club Kippies. In the article below, Joburg journalist and explorer Lucille Davie reveals the story behind the building and the man that gave it its name. The piece was originally published on the City of Joburg's website on 13 September 2002.
Most people know that jazz club Kippies in Newtown was named after saxophone player Kippie Moeketsi. But what they don't know is that the building that houses Kippies was never there in the first place.
Kippies is modelled on an Edwardian toilet, the original of which was built around 200 metres slightly north of Kippies in 1913, the same time the building, which also houses the Museum Africa, was built.
It's a cosy venue, its walls painted sky blue. Its original old section has attractive small arched windows, and a small cupola or domed roof. The classic architecture of the Edwardian toilet was copied because it blended in with the neighbouring market building.
Edwardian Toilet before restoration (The Heritage Portal)
About five years ago I stumbled over weeds and litter to get a glimpse of the crumbling Edwardian Lavatory in Newtown. I wondered how many more times I would be able to visit the heritage gem before the forces of neglect consumed her. When Atterbury announced its plans for the massive Newtown Junction development I prayed that this would mean a second life for the historic structure. Thankfully my prayers were answered and the developers along with their heritage consultants kept the building safe and secure during three years of construction.
In a few weeks time a new bar and eatery will call the lavatory home. This kind of adaptive reuse must be applauded. We trust patrons will fall in love with this unique venue!
Below are photographs taken over a period of just over three years. They reveal the changing environment around Newtown's Famous Edwardian Lavatory. Enjoy!
Photo taken in early 2012 showing the poor state of the structure (The Heritage Portal)
A different angle taken on the same day (The Heritage Portal)
