Henning Engelsen (1918-2005) was a Norwegian woodcarver who founded the company HENNING. He had the artistic skill to fashion his traditional and folklore characters from a piece of carefully selected and seasoned wood, and through his carvings, you come to know Norway and its culture… Continue Reading →
The ghost of Uniondale finds her way home
Between the towns of Willowmore and Uniondale in the Western Cape, drivers and motorcyclists have reported paranormal encounters with one of South Africa's most famous ghosts… Continue Reading →
1878 East London German Settlers – Bauer and Rüffer family stories
Family stories of the Bauer and Rüffer German immigrant families who arrived in East London, South Africa in 1878… Continue Reading →
SKOLMEN – Origin, Meaning and History
An exploration of the origin, meaning and history of the name "Skolmen"… Continue Reading →
Adriel Restrepo – MonsterMations Psychedelic Art
Adriel Restrepo is a self taught artist specializing in psychedelic PrismaColor pencil florescent artwork that glows in the dark under a black light (ultraviolet)… Continue Reading →
History of the Paul Kruger Transvaal Money Box
Uncovering the history of the popular antique cast iron money boxes that depict the late Transvaal president, Paul Kruger… Continue Reading →
Leslie John Albertyn (1931-2011) – South African Artist
Leslie-John Albertyn was a renowned Master oil painter who specialised in painting the beautiful landscapes of Southern Africa… Continue Reading →
Anton Sveen (1914-2009) – Norwegian Woodcarver
When it comes to hand-carved wooden trolls, there is no one better than Norwegian woodcarver, Anton Sveen. Anton turned his attention to carving trolls early on and built a career that eventually involved his entire family in the production process… Continue Reading →
Kristian Skolmen (1863-1946) – Norwegian Artist and Teacher
Kristian Skolmen was a Norwegian artist, teacher and choirmaster. His watercolour paintings depict the beautiful landscapes of Norway and to this day he is fondly remembered in places such as Kongsberg and Nordre Land where he spent most of his life… Continue Reading →
Gonubie – Jewel of the Eastern Cape
Whether you grew up in Gonubie, had memorable family holidays, or Sunday visits to this wonderful town, it has always been a very special place… Continue Reading →
The Biccard Collection
The Biccard Collection is the collective works of John Biccard, a remarkably talented artist from Cape Town, South Africa who created whimsical sculptures made of crushed marble… Continue Reading →
Skolmen Family Stories – A devastating fire, raging bull, aggressive goat and an unfortunate ox
Every family has well known stories of the past that are told at family gatherings when reminiscing around the fire or at the dinner table, some are humorous, while others are more unusual which makes them unique and memorable… Continue Reading →
A quest to honour my grandfather by documenting the sculptures he created throughout East London, South Africa
Many East Londoners are familiar with the Pontiac Indian Head sculpture that adorns the glass façade of the new Home Affairs building. Some have fond memories of Gonubie’s ‘Humpty Dumpty’ Egg. But few know that these, and other iconic pieces of East London history, were the work of a local artisan named Toby Skolmen… Continue Reading →
Unraveling the history of the Springbok Farm Stall
The Springbok Farm Stall with its iconic giant egg was a familiar sight on the Gonubie Main Road for decades. Many Gonubians have fond memories of the farm stall, but few are familiar with its history, which dates back to the 1960s… Continue Reading →