Hugh Exton Photographic Museum

AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | OPEN: Monday – Friday | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Facebook Page

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Polokwane is the Hugh Exton Photographic Museum. This unique museum offers visitors a rare glimpse into the town’s rich history through an impressive collection of photographs taken by Hugh Exton, a self-taught photographer who lived to the age of 91.

About the Museum

Housed in a beautifully restored 1890 Dutch Reformed Church, the Hugh Exton Photographic Museum boasts an impressive collection of over 23,000 original photographs and negatives taken by Hugh Exton. Exton, who moved to the area in 1886, captured a variety of historic events, including the Anglo-Boer War, and photographed the full spectrum of Polokwane residents regardless of race, age, or religion. From formal portraits of young dandies in three-piece suits to loving couples and demure farmers’ wives, the museum’s collection provides a fascinating insight into the town’s bygone era.

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The museum’s exhibits include not only photographs but also the cameras Exton used, appointment books with notes about each photo he took, the subject, and the cost. The original glass negatives, dating back to the late 1800s, offer visitors a rare glimpse into what life was like in Polokwane between 1892 and 1945. They showcase the town’s architecture, celebrities of the time, clothing, industry, and trade.

Interesting Facts

• Hugh Exton was a fascinating man, almost as interesting as his work. He was the son of Jacomina Hendrina van der Poel and his physician, anthropologist, geologist, and collector father, Hugh Exton.
• Exton moved from Cape Town to the Marabastad Goldfields near Pietersburg before settling in Polokwane, which was once called “the bastion of the north” by Paul Kruger (3rd president of South Africa) and has long been a center of Afrikaans culture.
• Hugh Exton lived to the age of 91 and during his lifetime, he carved out a unique position for himself within the local history.

Physical Location

Conclusion

The Hugh Exton Photographic Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in South African history. The museum’s exhibits provide visitors with a rare glimpse into what life was like in Polokwane between 1892 and 1945. Hugh Exton’s impressive collection of photographs, appointment books, and original glass negatives offers a unique perspective on the town’s rich history. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a history buff, this museum is sure to impress.