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Simpson, John Churchill : The Lanes of Pietermaritzburg. Portfolio of four prints from watercolour sketches by John Churchill Simpson

(Johannesburg: Howard Swan, no date)

A printed folder housing four prints on thick, textured paper, each measuring 430 x 305 mm. Folder fishmothed and foxed; a few minor fox spots to broad margins of prints, which are otherwise fine. For anyone who knew and loved Pietermaritzburg as it once was, these impressions of the city's lanes will provide happy memories. The lanes depicted are Chancery Lane, Theatre Lane, Change Lane, and Gallwey Lane. 'In these days of "Free-ways" and "Ring-Roads", speed traps, and parking meters, and where the traffic - clogged streets of rush-hour cities - bear testimony to the complete supremacy of the motor car - we can hardly fail to mourn the gentle aspects of a by-gone day! Lost - forever - the pleasure of the sound of footsteps; the whistle and cry of the newsboy; the chance meeting and exchange of news and views with a friend or colleague! Large cities - finding at last, the reality of the situation - are desperately closing sections of streets to create "Malls" where the humble pedestrian can walk without fear of the four-wheeled monster, but atmosphere is something that can only be generated by time! John Churchill Simpson - with his delicate and charming sketches - reminds us of our unique heritage of the "Lanes of Pietermaritzburg" - which so characterize a gentle and unhurried way of life - so rarely encountered in other South African cities!"

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