Parktown 1892–1972 – A Social and Pictorial History by Arnold Benjamin, Clive M. Chipkin & Shirley Zar – Photographs by Helen Aron (No 103/1500 – Signed)

Published in Johannesburg in 1972 by Studio Thirty Five Publications, Parktown 1892–1972: A Social and Pictorial History is an important and beautifully produced record of one of Johannesburg’s most historically and architecturally significant suburbs. This limited first edition was issued in only 1,500 numbered copies, with this example being Edition No. 103, individually signed by photographer Helen Aron.

The 113-page large-format volume combines texts by Arnold Benjamin, Clive M. Chipkin and Shirley Zar with the photography of Helen Aron. Produced at a time when many of Parktown’s grand houses and historic buildings were disappearing or threatened by redevelopment, Parktown 1892–1972 has become an important visual and documentary record of Johannesburg’s architectural and social heritage. Clive M. Chipkin would become one of South Africa’s foremost authorities on Johannesburg architecture, adding further significance to this early collaborative work.

Parktown 1892–1972 is accompanied by the complete portfolio of 51 loose photographic plates, presenting Helen Aron’s evocative photographs of Parktown buildings, residences and architectural details. The book and photographic portfolio are housed in the original brown cloth Solander box, attractively decorated and titled in gilt. The set also retains its original illustrated outer slipcase, an important component often lost from surviving examples.

This particular copy of Parktown 1892–1972 additionally contains a presentation plate dated November 1994, recording its presentation to Mr H. S. Pieterse, Orthopaedic Surgeon, by the doctors and staff of Kenridge Hospital in gratitude for 24 years of close association. The presentation is unrelated to the original publication but provides interesting provenance for this individual copy.

A particularly attractive and complete example of this substantial Johannesburg publication, retaining the signed and numbered volume, all 51 photographic plates, original Solander box and original illustrated slipcase. An excellent addition to a collection of Africana, Johannesburg history, South African architecture, heritage or photography.

Condition – Fine / Near Fine

The 113-page large-format softcover volume is exceptionally well preserved and presents close to new. Complete with all 51 loose photographic plates. The original brown cloth Solander box with gilt decoration is near fine. Also complete with the original illustrated outer slipcase, which is intact but shows noticeable age-related discoloration as well as some marks and wear. Signed and numbered No. 103 by Helen Aron. Contains a November 1994 presentation plate unrelated to the original publication.