From the Days That Are Gone

From the Days That Are Gone is a poignant visual and historical tribute to Cape Town’s past, compiled by the Survey Group of the Cape Town Photographic Society and published in 1967 by Howard Timmins. This remarkable volume captures the essence of a bygone era through a curated collection of early photographs—many rare or previously unpublished—documenting the architecture, street scenes, and daily life of Cape Town in its formative years.

With careful attention to historical accuracy and artistic presentation, the Survey Group brings together images that reflect the city’s colonial legacy, cultural diversity, and urban evolution. From stately buildings and cobbled alleys to moments of everyday activity, the book offers a compelling portrait of a city in transition—from the Victorian and Edwardian periods to the mid-20th century.

Accompanying the evocative imagery is insightful commentary that contextualizes each photograph, making this not only a visual archive but also a valuable resource for historians, architects, collectors, and lovers of South African heritage.