IT IS NOT HAPPENING! November 2020
Unfortunately, after much consideration, The Friends of the Tatham Art Gallery have had to make the difficult decision to cancel the annual Fabulous Picture Show this year.  It has been a strange year for everyone and we are aware that we need to adjust and change to circumstances as they arise.  After receiving a fraction of the number of donations usually contributed to our annual fundraising auction, it became clear that hosting the auction in 2020 is not feasible.  We will try again in 2021.

in The Press

Retired staff

LIVE CONCERT

Christopher Duigan plays music by Clementi, Schumann and Beethoven's Sonatas Op. 53 'Waldstein' and Op. 27 No. 1.  The year 2020 is the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth in 1770! Many major festivals and concerts were planned for the year. For this 'live' concert  Christopher Duigan plays Muzio Clementi's Sonata in F-sharp minor,  a work that Beethoven admired.  Robert Schumann intended the sale of copies of his Fantasie, Op.17 to support an appeal for funds to erect a monument to Beethoven in his birthplace, Bonn in 1836.  Beethoven's 'Waldstein' Sonata is one of the composers's most optimistic compositions. Booking is essential as places are limited.

Sunday 25 October 2020 15h00
Tatham Art Gallery
Secure parking
Tickets : R100   
Booking essential - booking@musicrevival.co.za or WhatsApp 083 417 4473
COVID-19 Protocols apply. Cafe Tatham will be open.

Workshops

Mending the Scars ExhibitionInnovative machine embroidery with the artists – Two day workshop
Tuesday and Wednesday, 04 and 05 February 09h30 to 12h30
Cost: R150 per artist per day (Booking essential)

Our Choice
Walkabouts/Talk Shops with participants in Our Choice Exhibition Our Choice is an eclectic selection of art works from the Gallery’s collection by individuals currently connected with the Tatham Art Gallery. A number of participants in the Our Choice exhibition will conduct a walkabout and talk about their choice and motivation for selection.

• Friday 14 February 14h00 to 15h00Walkabout of Our Choice Exhibition

• Saturday 14 March 10h00 to 11h00Talk Shop with participants

• Saturday 18 April 10h00 to 11h00Talk Shop with participants

Enquiries/Bookings
reena.bhoodram@msunduzi.gov.za or 033 392 2823
pinky.nkabinde@msunduzi.gov.za or 033 392 2811

Workshops

Fibre Workshop
Art making with Jutta Faulds
Tuesday 8 and Thursday 10 December 2020 09h30 to 12h30

Jutta Faulds is holding a two day workshop at the Tatham Art Gallery exploring art making with fibre. On the first day there will be a discussion on paper, from heavyweight to tissue paper, and what can be done with it. On the second day participants will create an artwork of their own. Using paper, glue and imagination, this process class will allow participants to explore their creative potential.

Enquiries/Bookings reena.bhoodram@msunduzi.gov.za or 033 392 2823

Running Thoughts:
Community Conversations

The Fibreworks group will run an exciting project to construct a collaborative artwork during the exhibition. Between 26 and 29 January, and 9 and 12 February 2020, members of the public are invited to participate in a textile ‘event’ that will organically unfold during the course of the exhibition. A Fibreworks member will demonstrate simple techniques to transfer words and/ or images onto a fabric base. The resulting TEXT-TILE installation will be on display alongside the exhibition.

Enquiries/Bookings reena.bhoodram@msunduzi.gov.za or 033 392 2823

We are hiring!
TATHAM ART GALLERY and THEATRE MANAGER”S POSITION

The Sunday Times Newspaper 23 August 2020

MANAGER (ART GALLERY AND THEATRE) 

(Qualifications/ Requirements)

• Honours Degree or Post Graduate Diploma In Art History and certificate in Museology or equivalent - NQF Level 8

• Computer Literacy – Office Applications. 

• Code B Driver’s Licence. 

• 5 - 6 Years Middle Management experience in an art Museum Environment. Able bodied. 

Key Performance Requirements 

Directs and controls the key performance areas associated with the Tatham Art Gallery as an art museum through the provision of professional guidance and support, defining and designing programme/ project methodologies, managing project outcomes and, communicating and/ or providing explanations/ recommendations based on best practices associated with the implementation of projects and programmes that support the Unit, Gallery Board of Trustees and community stakeholder requirements.   Read more

Staff retiring December 2019

Two of our staff retired at the end of last year. Kobie Venter joined the Gallery in a temporary capacity in 1999, and has kept us all on track since then, and Mary Kleinenberg has managed the Gallery Shop since 2001. We wish them both well and thank them for their lengthy and dedicated years of service. We will miss them both very much.

We asked them both for a few recollections and thoughts on their involvement with the gallery.

“It was with some surprise that I realised I had been in the Tatham Shop for 18 years. I started when, after retiring from Association for Rural Advancement (Afra), Brendan Bell asked me if I would help in the shop over the Christmas period. At the time I didn’t think it was something I wanted to do, but all these years later I find I have been challenged, and learned and gained a great deal from my association with the Gallery. I shall miss the talented people who make the exquisite craft, my colleagues, and spending so much time in the beautiful surroundings of a world class Gallery. It has been a privilege to work with the whole Tatham community.”
Mary Kleinenberg

“Fond memories of working at the Tatham Art Gallery - Kobie Venter - 30 December 2019

1977
We came to live in Pietermaritzburg in 1977, and I have been in love with the Tatham Art Gallery for more than 40 years. The present building was built around 1875, and at one time served as the Supreme Court, but the Tatham Art Collection started in 1903, and moved to this building from its first home, the City Hall, in 1990. 

My more intimate relationship with the Tatham began when I became a temporary staff member in 1999 - 20 years ago. I am tempted to say that I have loved every minute of that time, but perhaps I should just say that I loved almost every minute. After all, we did have our ups and downs. 

1999
One of my earliest memories of working at the Tatham Art Gallery was when a handsome, blonde young man was looking for face powder to tone down highlights for a photo shoot in the Lorna Ferguson Room. Only one staff member had powder … in quite a few shades darker than the young man’s complexion. To my embarrassment, I ended up doing the powdering. But the result was a charming photograph of the pianist, who later became very involved in Gallery matters. 

2003
In 2003, the Gallery celebrated its centenary with a Centenary Ball, and artists from around the country took part in a competition to create a royal partner for the large Queen Victoria painting in the stairwell. The portrait of King Cetshwayo kaMpande had to be of equal size and dignity. The two royals have now hung together in harmony for 16 years, and their eyes seem to follow you as you walk across the landing. There are rumours that the two, who met in real life in about 1884, have secret conversations at night when the Gallery is quiet.

2009
One day, in June 2009, we all scrambled up the narrow ladder to the flat part of the roof of the Gallery, cameras in hand, and looked west. The sight was rather spectacular. The statue of Gandhi in Church Street was looking down at some feeble piddles coming from a few scattered hosepipes. High up behind Gandhi the roof of the massive Old Colonial Building was on fire. Wooden structures crumbled as flaming tongues licked the sky. 

We all realized how hazardous fire could be for an old building such as ours. With renewed effort, we inspected and improved our fire protection systems, even if it meant that staff and visitors would sometimes be rudely brought back to reality when the loud alarm system gets tested.

2010
There is so much to remember. In 2010, going on a series of field trips made possible by a generous grant from the National Arts Council of South Africa resulted in a precious exhibition and catalogue called Meeting the Makers. We travelled in teams of four and went to document craft makers in all the corners of KwaZulu-Natal. As a result we now have an amazing collection of contemporary craft in the Gallery.

2017
In May 2017 it was a great shock to everyone when disaster came from below, in the form of water!: Electricity cuts caused pumps to fail, and the Gallery’s basement storage area was flooded by an underground river, damaging hundreds of art works. Staff, volunteers and professionals worked around the clock, and through huge effort and excellent planning almost all these works could be restored, and are today in a better condition than before the flood. This was made possible by a generous pay out by the insurance company.

2019
Upstairs in the Ceramics Room one is reminded of the creative powers of water and fire, when combined with earth, which also reminds one of the origins of the lovely old red brick building. Behind the red brick walls, the small but dedicated professional staff works astonishingly hard to produce and hang 12 or more changing exhibitions per year. Over many years, colleagues have turned into brothers and sisters, overcoming the same struggles and challenges. The Gallery spirit seems to work behind the scenes, and once the works are hung, they seem to take on a life of their own. And each viewer also brings something new through association and imagination.

One of my favourite works to visit with groups of children is the painting Something for Growth, by Progress Matubako, which is hanging in the foyer at the moment. The artist has managed to turn a famous photograph of the friend carrying the body of Hector Peterson’s body into a powerful painting. In the place of the body he painted a cushion supporting a bundle wrapped in the new South African flag. My favourite question to the children (and grown-ups) has been: What could be inside that bundle? Answers vary from food to stones to diamonds to clothes, and even nappies for the naked children!

Then there is the mysterious case of the missing finger nails. Jane Alexander’s well-known sculpture, Stripped “Oh Yes” Girl, had artificial fingernails to start with. They kept disappearing, until we eventually stopped replacing them. What astounds me is the urge in human beings to prolong the abuse of the unfortunate woman.

After my retirement at the end of 2019, I hope to carry on spending time with my unforgettable gallery, looking leisurely at displays, perhaps spending more time in the Coffee Shop without having to hurry up and go back to the office. 

In my mind, true education often starts with having a sense of wonder. I believe that with this approach each exhibition could turn into a magical experience for the viewer. Take, for example, the latest Main Gallery exhibition downstairs, Our Choice, which brings together works selected by staff and committee members of the Tatham. What I would like to do, is choose a theme, for example, clothing, and look at each separate art work with this in mind. If there are people in the art work, I’ll ask myself, how are they clothed, and is there a message behind this attire (or non-attire)? 

In this way I hope to be surprised by my own thoughts and imagination for a long time to come… “
Kobie Venter - 30 December 2019

Point of view

Workshops

Recent FOTAG Acquisitions Exhibition   Workshop with Ian Calder
Earth, Water, Void, Wind & Fire: CeramicsTatham Art Gallery (Lorna Ferguson Room)
Tuesdays on 3 March, 10 March, 17 March 2020
09h30-12h30
Cost:  R150 per artist per day
All materials will be provided.

In these workshops Ian Calder will offer an appreciation of the Tatham Art Gallery’s excellent historical and contemporary collections of the pottery and ceramics of KwaZulu-Natal. Explanatory slideshows will highlight selected examples from the Tatham’s ceramic collections, to be followed by practical hands-on sessions where participants will be provided with local clay samples to create their own artwork.

The three sessions will expand awareness of the immense historical and contemporary contributions of KZN ceramics to South African art and craft heritage. Participants can explore the mysterious qualities of local clays by making their own commemorative artwork each week.
Clay-works from each weekly session will be fired for participants.
Recommended to attend all 3 sessions but possible to attend sessions individually.

Please confirm as soon as possible if you would like to attend this workshop as space is limited.For bookings contact Reena at 033 392 2823 or email   reena.bhoodram@msunduzi.gov.za

Workshop: (Booking essential)
Jill Trappler: 2020 Vision2020 vision: exploring how visual acuity can vary using different approaches and materials – Three day workshop                             
Thursday and Friday, 07/ 08 May 2020   from (09h00 -12h00) and (13h00 – 16h00)
Saturday 09 May 2020 (09h00 -12h00)                    
Course Fee: R900                                           

Jill Trappler is a well known Cape Town based artist  and painter who works in several different media. She not only exhibits regularly, but also conducts art classes  and workshops alongside her own personal projects. Her work is found in various private, corporate, and numerous public collections.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join Jill Trappler in this hands-on workshop. Jill will take copying or transposing as a starting point, using still life images to explore how visual acuity can vary using different approaches and materials. Scale, colour and interpretation/ translation will be considered. This is a research course in seeing and making. There are five sessions; during each session a new project will be set in process to expand the participants ability and thinking. The first session will be an introduction and exploration with chalk and oil pastels on good paper.  In the second session we will look at how we see from a distance and the third session how we see from close up. The forth and closing session will be determined by work done in the previous sessions.

Jill will provide references to images and reading. A list of materials required will be provided on registration. The course is available to beginners and experienced artists.

Enquiries/Bookingsreena.bhoodram@msunduzi.gov.za or 033 392

Our Choice
Walkabouts/Talk Shops with participants in Our Choice Exhibition

Our Choice is an eclectic selection of art works from the Gallery’s collection by individuals currently connected with the Tatham Art Gallery. A number of participants in the Our Choice exhibition will conduct a walkabout and talk about their choice and motivation for selection.

• Friday 14 February 14h00 to 15h00 Walkabout of Our Choice Exhibition

• Saturday 14 March 10h00 to 11h00 Talk Shop with participants

• Saturday 18 April 10h00 to 11h00 Talk Shop with participants

Enquiries/Bookingsreena.bhoodram@msunduzi.gov.za or 033 392 2823
pinky.nkabinde@msunduzi.gov.za or 033 392 2811

Recent FOTAG Acquisitions Exhibition   Workshop with Ian Calder
Earth, Water, Void, Wind & Fire: CeramicsTatham Art Gallery (Lorna Ferguson Room)
Tuesdays on 3 March, 10 March, 17 March 2020
09h30-12h30
Cost:  R150 per artist per day
All materials will be provided.

In these workshops Ian Calder will offer an appreciation of the Tatham Art Gallery’s excellent historical and contemporary collections of the pottery and ceramics of KwaZulu-Natal. Explanatory slideshows will highlight selected examples from the Tatham’s ceramic collections, to be followed by practical hands-on sessions where participants will be provided with local clay samples to create their own artwork.

The three sessions will expand awareness of the immense historical and contemporary contributions of KZN ceramics to South African art and craft heritage. Participants can explore the mysterious qualities of local clays by making their own commemorative artwork each week.
Clay-works from each weekly session will be fired for participants.
Recommended to attend all 3 sessions but possible to attend sessions individually.

Please confirm as soon as possible if you would like to attend this workshop as space is limited.For bookings contact Reena at 033 392 2823 or email   reena.bhoodram@msunduzi.gov.za

The Tatham Art Gallery is saddened to learn of the passing of Valerie Maggs in Cape Town on 12 March 2020.

Pic: Valerie Maggs in Cape Town, October 2019

Valerie Maggs’ contribution to and support of the arts in KwaZulu-Natal was substantial. 

She was instrumental in setting up the African Art Centre in Pietermaritzburg, which provided an outlet and income for local crafters. She was also a member of the Natal Arts Trust which supports artists and Art Museums in KwaZulu-Natal.

Val was a pillar of support to the Tatham Art Gallery for over forty years.  She was a member and Chairperson of the Gallery’s Acquisitions Committee and  a member of the Tatham Board of Trustees and Chairperson of The Friends of the Tatham Art Gallery for many years.  She was an exceptional art teacher and ran a vibrant art school until she retired to Cape Town a couple of years ago.  We will miss her colourful  and unique approach to life, her unfailing support of the Tatham Art Gallery and her deep integrity as an artist and teacher.

This weekend 13 - 15 March 2020

Illustrated talk by Alleyn Diesel at Tatham Art Gallery
Saturday 14 March, 2020 at 10h00.
This talk will expand on Diesel’s article published in The Witness on 4 February entitled 'Naked or Nude? The Human Body Uncovered'. The talk supports the temporary exhibition 'Our Choice', currently on view in the Main Exhibition Room.  
Admission is free.