Scratchboard / Scraperboard Art by Solly Gutman 'The Colour of Black and White'
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St Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Cape Town

1/31/2021

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St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Cape Town is more formally known as the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of the Flight into Egypt.

The story of the cathedral, the seat of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Town, is closely associated with the history and development of the Roman Catholic Church in Southern Africa, which occurred over a period of more than 175 years. Affectionately known by many as St Mary’s Cathedral, it is the oldest Catholic Cathedral in South Africa. 

The local bishop bought the land in 1839 and the first stone was laid two years later. Build in the Gothic Revival style design of Otto Hagger, the building was consecrated on April 28, 1851. A tower was added in 1926 and the sanctuary was remodeled in 1947. The latest restoration was done in 1997.

The Cathedral is situated in the heart of the City of Cape Town, directly opposite the South African Parliament and at the meeting point of an important thoroughfare linking Cape Town to its outlying suburbs. The Cathedral also occupies a central position as the ‘Mother Church’ both of the Archdiocese and of the rest of South Africa.

All my works are available as 
high quality prints on non-archival paper or on stretched canvas.
Visit the online gallery here to view my available work.
​
Place your order
by phone / whatsapp on +27 79 247 7532
by email to gutmansolly@gmail.com
contact me below or inbox me on facebook: Solly Gutman Scratchboard Art

Other prints and a range of lifestyle products are available from Fine Art America - worldwide shipping available.
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The Ostriches of Oudtshoorn

1/24/2021

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​The quiet town of Oudtshoorn lies between the majestic mountains of the Klein Karoo. In winter, snow covers the nearby mountain peaks and in summer temperatures sizzle. Its dry, extreme climate has much to do with the town’s success, where once ostrich farmers bathed in brandy and papered their walls in pound notes, when Oudtshoorn became known as the ostrich capital of the world.

It began when ostrich feathers became a major European and British fashion accessory in the mid-1800s. Oudtshoorn farmers were quick to realise that the Karoo environment was ideal to raise ostriches and began ripping up their agricultural fields and domesticating wild birds. Breeding pairs of birds thrived and farmers pocketed up to R200 per kilogram for their feathers, an astonishing amount in 1884.

Although the demand for ostrich feathers has drastically decreased, their skins are now used to produce high-end fashion accessories. Ostrich meat has become a popular alternative to beef or lamb. As a result, Oudtshoorn continues as an active ostrich farming town, boasting the largest number of ostriches in the world.

​​All my works are available as high quality prints on non-archival paper or on stretched canvas.
Visit the online gallery here to view my available work.
​
Place your order
by phone / whatsapp on +27 79 247 7532
by email to gutmansolly@gmail.com
contact me below or inbox me on facebook: Solly Gutman Scratchboard Art

Other prints and a range of lifestyle products are available from Fine Art America - worldwide shipping available.
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Afternoon Break, Kalk Bay Harbour

1/17/2021

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After its existence as a whaling port was rightfully terminated, Kalk Bay Harbour became a thriving fishing port where fishermen bringing in their hauls from their colourful rustic boats daily. Kalk Bay’s eclectic mix of historic buildings, cobbled streets, bohemian bric-a-brac shops, vintage bookstores, art and antique galleries, ocean and mountain views, quaint cafés and restaurants, colourful fishing vessels and creative locals make it a must-do day out from nearby Cape Town.

All my works are available as high quality prints on non-archival paper or on stretched canvas.
Visit the online gallery here to view my available work.
​
Place your order
by phone / whatsapp on +27 79 247 7532
by email to gutmansolly@gmail.com
contact me in the comments box below or inbox me on Facebook: Solly Gutman Scratchboard Art

Other prints and a range of lifestyle products are available from Fine Art America - worldwide shipping available.

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Just Nuisance - more than just a dog!

1/3/2021

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The legendary tale of Cape Town’s most famous great dane
Just Nuisance was reportedly born in Rondebosch, Cape Town to his breeder Mr. H. Bosman. In 1937. The following year he was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Chaney who moved to Simon’s Town, where Mr. Chaney became the manager of a hostel for sailors ashore.

Just Nuisance soon became acquainted with the young Royal Navy sailors, who fell in love with the young pup. He continued to grow into a dog of enormous proportions, even for a Great Dane. He was almost 2m tall when standing on his hind legs, but he had a gentle nature.

He loved the sailors and followed them everywhere, even catching the train to Cape Town with them. Despite the sailors’ efforts to conceal him, owing to his large size and the fact he insisted on lying across three seats on the train, the railway authorities soon became annoyed by him and would kick him off the trains.

This, however, did not worry Just Nuisance as he would patiently wait for the next train, or walk to the next station where he would board another train. Amused travellers would at times pay for his train fare, but eventually officials of the railway company threatened to have him put down unless he was prevented from boarding the trains or had his fare paid in full.
In response, the sailors hastily consulted their Officer Commanding, who thought of a very unusual yet brilliant plan for the Great Dane.

Thus, in 1939 Just Nuisance “volunteered” to join the Royal Navy. The Officer Commanding knew that as an enlisted sailor during the WW2, he would be entitled to free rail travel at all times and thus, his fare-dodging days were over
Just Nuisance duly commenced his duties in the Royal Navy and was issued with his own sailor’s cap. A special collar was made for him in the Naval dockyard, to which his free pass was attached. Just Nuisance’s official documents say that he was a “Bone-crusher” by trade and was given the rank of Able Seaman.

He was quartered at HMS Afrikander and even had his own bunk. A sailor was also put in charge of him to ensure that he was fed, bathed and brushed regularly. Just Nuisance was seen as much more than just a dog. He did much to boost the morale of all those involved in fighting the WW2, from the Atlantic Station and was renowned for the love and care he showed for his sailor mates.
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The legendary story of the extraordinary character that was more human than dog still lives on today. Able Seaman Just Nuisance’s bronze statue, erected in 1985 stands proud and tall in Jubilee Square overlooking Simon’s Town.


​All my works are available as 
high quality prints on non-archival paper or on stretched canvas.
Visit the online gallery here to view my available work.
​
Place your order
by phone on +27 79 247 7532
by email to gutmansolly@gmail.com
contact me in the comments box below or inbox me on Facebook: Solly Gutman Scratchboard Art

Other prints and a range of lifestyle products are available from Fine Art America - worldwide shipping available.
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    Author

    I started my 'journey' with Scraperboard or Scratchboard Art in 1968. Since then I have been working exclusively in this medium.

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Scratchboard / Scraperboard Artist