Route 67 - New Artwork

This weekend Suzie and I went to the Donkin to check out the latest artwork, which turned out to be a very cheerful piece of work. I still need to find out the name of the artist and the name of the work.

Close-up of some of the panels, which I believe are made from the caps of medicine bottles.

Route 67, is an amazing project displaying street art from the Campanile near the harbour, to the Nelson Mandela Bay Art Museum at St Georges Park. It was named in honour of the 67 years that Nelson Mandela contributed to South African politics and the struggle to eradicate apartheid.

Skywatch Friday - The Donkin

Sunrise at the Donkin Reserve with two iconic symbols of the city. The old lighthouse and the pyramid, built by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of late his wife Elizabeth, after whom the city is named.

This is one our favourite spots to watch the sunrise over Algoa Bay.

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Skywatch Friday - Black sky

Black skies on their own are definitely not very appealing, so I decided to bring the old lighthouse on the Donkin into the picture, as it provides a nice contrast against the night sky.

Another view of the Donkin, with the moon rising over the Bay.

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Breaking the rules again

A few months ago I posted some pictures of me breaking the rules, by taking hand held shots through the windscreen of the car, at night, in pouring rain and actually enjoying the blurred results. Traditional Max likes well composed, sharp pictures and does not like to deviate from what he is comfortable with, but that all changed that night - I now like the challenge of the abstract.

Last night conditions were perfect for my new bent, as it was pouring with rain, so Sue and I went out on a photographic jaunt. There was no room for tripods, so it was a question of cranking up the ISO rating and shooting through the car windows.

Heading down Donkin Street towards Govan Mbeki Avenue.

Palm trees on the Donkin reserve.

Heading down Govan Mbeki Avenue towards the City Hall.

Night shoot

Last night I wandered around Central after the opening of an art exhibition at arTEC taking a few pictures on the way. It was what I call a "hit and run" photography session. With no one to watch my back I set my camera on ISO 1600 and proceeded to shoot away and then move on.

The arTEC building mural has become a must see feature in Central. One day I will photograph it in the day light.

The Donkin, with Anton Momberg's Conversation Piece in the foreground.

The Feather Market Hall was built in the days when ostrich feathers were used in high fashion, rather than as feather dusters.

More black and white - Sculpture

A different look at the at the sculpture, by Anton Momberg, at the Donkin, where public art has taken on a new meaning.

Freedom Day

The giant flag at the Donkin has become a new and prominent feature on the Port Elizabeth landscape. As today is Freedom Day I thought it would be fitting to show the raising of the flag.

This shot shows the size of the flag.

 Saluting the flag.

The flag as seen from Whites Road.

Skywatch Friday - Heavy metal and blue skies

I am featuring a two different views of the skies this week....................

A machine gun looking very menacing on the INS Tabar, which was docked in Port Elizabeth last weekend as part of a joint South African, Brazilian and Indian naval exercise.

A view of the giant flag at the Donkin Reserve, looking over the roofs of historical houses in Central.

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Flowers of the Eastern Cape #10 - More aloes

I am not sure which variety of aloe this is, but you will find many different types flowering in the Eastern Cape at the moment.

The newly established aloe garden on the Donkin, with the historic Edward Hotel in the background.

Skywatch Friday - Flying the flag

Not just any flag - this is the new "giant" South African flag at the Donkin Reserve, which is a striking new feature on the Port Elizabeth skyline.

The people at the base of the 45 metre high pole and flag, as seen from the the top of the Donkin lighthouse, give it perspective.

The flag, back lit by the midday sun looks quite amazing.

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Public Art

Public art is coming to the Donkin in a big way, but at this stage only one piece has been completed. How would you rate this sculpture by Anton Momberg?

Serious art?

or fun art?

Skywatch Friday - Looking at the Donkin differently

The Donkin Reserve boasts two of the most prominent landmarks of Port Elizabeth. Enjoy the views from a different perspective.

The pyramid backlit by the early morning sun. It was built by Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony, in memory of his wife Elizabeth. He also named the city after her 1820.

The lighthouse is no longer operational and is now used as a tourism centre

The pyramid and lighthouse seen in their comtext. The area is undergoing extensive upgrading and if you are interested in seeing other pictures, click on the link to Donkin Facelift.

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Donkin facelift

The revamp of the Donkin is coming on nicely, thanks to the vision and initiative of the Mandela Bay Development Agency.

We had an early start on Sunday morning, after responding to a false burglar alarm and were able to enjoy the sunrise and the area with a bus load of Chilean supporters.

One of the aims is to make the area more user friendly, by opening up the view, landscaping the gardens and creating places to sit and chill out. The buildings have been well renovated and the area around the lighthouse has been repaved with flair and colour. 

When the project is complete the Donkin will also feature a number of sculptures by prominent local artists, which will be part of the Donkin Art Journey. The first statue to be installed is one by local sculptor Anton Momberg.  

Work has come to a stop since the start of the World Cup Soccer, but visiting the area one is able to get a good idea of where it is going. If you want to read more about the project you can visit the MBDA website by following this link. 

Sunrise from the Donkin - Sky Watch Friday

The sunrise over the Port Elizabeth harbour, seen from the Donkin Reserve

Sky Watch Friday - The Donkin

The lighthouse and pyramid viewed from the bottom end of the Donkin Reserve are iconic symbols of Port Elizabeth.


The pyramid was erected by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of his young wife who died in India shortly before he came to the fledgling city. He administered the Cape colony from 1820 to 1821 and named the rising seaport of Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth in memory of his wife.




The plaque on the pyramid reads, "To the memory of one of the most perfect human beings who has given her name to the Town below."


The lighthouse is no longer in use as it lost its effectiveness as the city grew up around it and was replaced with a new metal structure on the coast.