The beautiful old Victorian Railway Station in Port Elizabeth has existed on the present location since 1875 when the first line was constructed to Uitenhage about 40 kilometres away. The original building was designed by the then Resident Engineer of Harbour and Public Works in Port Elizabeth, James Bisset, with extensive additions, including the cast-iron supported roof of the main concourse, being completed by 1893. The round painted panels depicting scenes from the city were painted by Bernard Horn in the late 1980's.
What a delightful decoration; one can get educated while waiting for the train. Very unusual decoration.
ReplyDeleteNice to add paintings to this marvelous old structure. Looks well maintained.
ReplyDeleteMy sister took her wedding pics on those tracks.
ReplyDeleteI have always been fascinated by these paintings, even as a young boy 20-odd years ago (I'm 29). Perhaps a series, Firefly? That'd be a real treat! To me, these paintings do much to promote the City's architectural heritage as most concern our beautiful old buildings. A real showcase for any visitor to the City in those bygone days of rail travel.
ReplyDeleteThe only problem there is security. They aren't too keen for one to take pictures. This one I took kinda on the go
DeleteBernard was my grandfather. He used to work at that station and in his spare time use to paint, made his own cartoons to entertain me and my brother during the holidays and spend time playing and singing to us on his piano. Immensely talented and somewhat of an anomalous genius. He loved PE, this country, its people and its rich history. Makes me nostalgically proud to know his paintings is still a source of so much pleasure and admiration by people out there. Think that's what he had in mind when he did them.
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