This page from The South African Illustrated News (dated 19th July, 1884) features two landscapes signed by the illustrator J. Cole: "A Part of the Cape Flats" at the top and "Cottages at Wynberg" below.  

1. The Transformation of the Cape Peninsula's Topography

 The Wilderness of the Cape Flats: The upper illustration captures an ox-wagon traversing a barren, shrub-covered expanse. In the 1880s, the Cape Flats was mostly shifting sand dunes, low scrub (fynbos), and treacherous tracks. It was notoriously difficult for transport riders moving between Cape Town and the interior before extensive stabilization schemes (using Australian port jackson wattle and rooikrans) completely changed the ecosystem.  

 Old Wynberg Rural Vernacular: The lower scene shows thatch-roofed, whitewashed vernacular cottages nestled under mature trees. During the late 19th century, Wynberg was transitioning from a rural village and British military garrison post into a fashionable suburban retreat along the suburban railway line, making contemporary depictions of its earlier thatch-and-daub architecture valuable visual records.  

2. A Landmark Gold Mining Document on the Reverse

 Firsthand Account of Kaapschehoop & De Kaap: The reverse side of this sheet (page 167) contains Chapter I and II of "The De Kaap Gold Fields: Their Origin and Progress" by F. H. C. Hutchings.  

 The Pre-Witwatersrand Gold Rush: Published two years before gold was discovered on the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg) in 1886, this article provides a rare contemporary report on the early Eastern Transvaal gold rush around Duivels Kantoor (Kaapschehoop) and Barberton. It recounts the early prospecting exploits of Charles Durnin, Charles Marsh, and Mr. Prichard from April 1882 onwards, as well as visits by Transvaal Republic officials Piet Joubert and Nicolaas Smit.

280mm x 400mm.

Originally published uncoloured. Hand coloured at a later point. Minor tears to the edges.

R1,250