Stumbling across a remote photo-gallery in South Africa
It was a delight to stumble across the studio / gallery of William & Mary Walker, fellow photographers and fine art printers, in the remote mountain village of Riebeek Kasteel in South Africa.
We were just wandering around this mini-Glastonbury style village in the silent, baking heat, looking for a cold drink, when I saw a little sign for a photo-gallery. Well, I was in a hurry for a family meal at a nearby vineyard but how could I not rush to say hello, even if just for a few minutes.
I thought my gallery was in a quiet area in Caernarfon, but in this near silent village I was amazed to find a gallery at all, how on earth do they make a living. I introduced myself straight away as a photographer, as I think this is the polite thing to do when visiting a peer’s gallery.
We shared many views about the industry, the slightly depressing democratisation of photography, but especially the disappearing love of final prints. We live in a vacuous ethereal world of social media imagery, but there is nothing like taking time to view a beautifully crafted photographic print. William had an opportunity to work alongside renowned printer Mac Holbert, who worked with musician and photographer, Graham Nash, which helped cement his conviction to pursue craft printing. Indeed, William has decided to start printing for other artists in this vast rural region and is now showcasing many of the artists’ work. It makes commercial sense, and I’d guess is an important way of getting the message out to a wider public that their gallery exists.
There was a lovely peace and calm in their gallery and a fascinating range of work and styles on show by local artists. If you happen to be lucky enough to visit this lush agricultural, mountain region of South Africa, do pop in and say hello the very welcoming William and his wife Mary, and say hello from me.
Pictorex Print & Gallery
12 Royal Street, Riebeek Kasteel