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Click to view map Coordinates: | The Burgersdorp Post Office is an eclectic Cape Dutch Revival building with a substantial convexo-concavo gable to the entrance (south) elevation. The gable is elaborated with a substantial bulls-eye window surmounting an applied triangular pediment which in turn surmounts an applied three-bay portico module with entrance on either side. The pediment records the construction date of 1933 in raised plaster numbers. A ram's head with spiral horns projects from below the apex of the pediment. A crest - presumably that of the town of Burgersdorp - and some repetitive geometric scrolls across the base completes the design. The Post Office building is notable for the decorative painted tiled panels that were installed on the two street facades - a total of fourteen separate panels in three different sizes. All of the tiled panels were painted by Wilgy VAN-HALL of The Ceramic Studio and are dated 1933. The tiled panels fall into two thematic categories, namely Postal Transport and Trekker Life. The dimensions provided for each panel are approximate and are derived from the standard size of a 6" x 6" tile (150 mm x 150 mm). For ease of reference these panels have been identified on the West facade from W.1 to W.8 (l to r) and on the South facade from S.1 to S.6 (l to r). WEST FACADE PANEL W.1: Post delivery via runner with a cleft stick PANEL W.2: Post delivery via man on horseback PANEL W.3: Post delivery via Stagecoach PANEL W.4: Post delivery via Steam locomotive with carriage PANEL W.5: Trekkers: Ox wagon crossing a river PANEL W.6: Trekkers: Ox wagon crossing a stream PANEL W.7: Trekkers: Progress across extensive landscape and eventual settlement PANEL W.8: Trekkers: Ox wagon with family cooking SOUTH FACADE (BELOW GABLE IN CENTRAL MODULE) PANEL S.1: Posting in cast iron Post Box PANEL S.2: Post Office Delivery Van - with letters H.P.K. on side (possibly Hoof Pos Kantoor) PANEL S.3: Transport by Steam Train with mail carriage PANEL S.4: Transport by Mail Plane PANEL S.5: Transport by Mail Ship PANEL S.6: Delivery by Postman (William MARTINSON) Books that reference Post Office
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