TOWER OF LIGHT

The University of the Witwatersrand denies any intention of demolishing the Tower and says it is indeed very proud of the structure which it is has recently repainted.

City of Johannesburg Arts, Culture and Heritage Services

IMMOVABLE HERITAGE INVENTORY FORM
                             
 

Name of Site:                Tower of Light

Other Names (if any):

Location:                       West Campus, University of the Witwatersrand

District/Region:             Johannesburg, Gauteng

Ownership:

Previous Owner:           Witwatersrand Agricultural Society

Present Owner:             University of the Witwatersrand Site Type:                       Landmark   Photo Pretoria Portland Cement  “Meet us at the Tower of Light – Power- Strength” from 1936 Empire  Exhibition Catalogue Contemporary Advertisement:

Photograph by Dennis Adams; Johannesburg 100 Exhibition.

State of Conservation:

Excellent condition. Minor changes made at base in 1964 to accommodate the cableway -  which was subsequently removed.

History:

The Tower of Light was commissioned by the Victoria Falls and Transvaal Power Company (precursor to Eskom) and built of reinforced concrete using Pretoria Portland Cement for the Empire Exhibition in 1936.  It was the focal point of the Showgrounds standing at the top of the main axis (later Victory Road) and remained the icon of the Rand Show until the Showgrounds were moved and the land was given to the University of the Witwatersrand.

Designed by Professor G.E. Pearse, according to Bernard Cooke who worked on the drawings, it is a simple soaring circular tower with fins.  Chipkin calls it “a major futuristic monument.”

It was apparently never completed to its full height. Bernard Cooke said they were running out of time and other sources attribute this to budgetary constraints.

Architectural description:

The Tower of Light is a fine example of a ‘deco-moderne’ building - conceived and designed by an important South African architect in what was then a bold new international architectural style. It was designed as the focal point of a large Exhibition layout, and was to be the beacon visible from all points within the grounds, and in fact from the surrounding suburbs. Sited at the highest point of the central axis through the Exhibition Grounds it provided an anchor for the layout of the rest of the grounds.

The tower consists of a hollow circular reinforced concrete shaft of large diameter with four substantial concrete fins attached on each of the four diagonals. The fins rise from the ground plane with a nominal taper and terminate at a short distance above the full height of the shaft. The overall effect is one of a soaring verticality and power.

A raised circular cantilevered viewing platform was originally provided at the base of the tower. The curved outer edge of this platform was slightly recessed behind the faces of the four fins and was protected with a wrought iron deco-style balustrade. Circulation around the viewing platform was made possible with door ways let through each of the fins at their junction with the curved face of the tower. Access to the viewing platform was via an attached, curved open stair on the west side of the tower, set between two of the fins.

Access to the top of the tower (for staff) was provided via a narrow wrought iron cat-ladder fixed to the internal face of the column shaft in line with the northeast fin. The ladder terminated at a trap door in the upper platform. Access to this level was required in order to service the flagpole and the light fittings.

The tower shaft was capped with a circular cantilevered upper platform, which intersected with, and was supported by, the four fins. The four fins rose about 1 200 mm above the level of the platform but did not extend onto the platform further than the inside face of the circular shaft and became four free standing piers, joined by the wrought iron balustrade at the curved slab edge. A tall flagpole was installed at the centre point of the upper platform.

In 1964 the exhibition grounds were provided with a suspended cable car system whereby the small cable cars travelled up and down the central north-south axis. The Tower of Light was used as the point of return for the cable cars. A large circular reinforced concrete cantilevered canopy was then installed as the loading platform and a second smaller canopy was installed overhead to support the cables.

Since Wits University took over the show grounds the cable car system has been removed and the Tower of Light now accommodates a small tuck shop at ground floor, and the West campus Security offices on the upper level. Circular Perspex windows have been installed to provide light within the security office.

Despite the minor modifications made to the building, it is an extraordinarily important urban marker, and unusual example of Deco Moderne architecture. It should be retained, conserved and valued as an important part of the architectural heritage of Johannesburg, and indeed, South Africa.

Statement of Significance:

• The Tower of Light is a landmark in the City, familiar to generations of South Africans who visited the Rand Easter Show.
• The Tower of Light meant to earlier generations what the Brixton and Hillbrow towers mean to later generations. It was the symbol of Johannesburg’s achievements and vision.
• It was designed to be lit as a shining beacon and could be seen from across the Reef.
• It was not acclaimed by the architects of the time as an important Modern Movement structure despite its simple lines and use of the most common of materials – concrete and steel.   While the academics kept silent the people who associated it with a pleasurable outing and annual event they enjoyed acclaimed it. So it is a landmark in time as well as in space.
• It was chosen in 1986 as one of the 100 structures as milestones in Johannesburg’s history.
• It has positive associations for black and white people because once the Rand Show was open to all races it became an important symbol of accessibility.
• The Empire Exhibition was held in Johannesburg in 1936 as part of the City’s Golden Jubilee. The Tower of Light is the only significant structure of that important milestone in one of the World’s youngest Cities. 
• Towers beaming light for international exhibitions were used similarly for Paris in 1937, Glasgow the Tower of Empire 1938 and the obelisk in New York’s World Fair 1939   They expressed a joy in the use of electricity which later advertising was to exploit so effectively as at Times Square.
• It was designed by Professor G.E. Pearse the first professor of Architecture at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Legal Status (Decree/Act):  

Over 60 years old protected by Section 34 (c)

Authority Responsible

Use

Previous                                                   Current

Documentation/Research

Photos           Maps            Site Plans                 Others .....................................

Source(s) of Information

Name & Address of Recorder:
Flo Bird
Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust
“Northwards 21 Rockridge Road, Parktown. 2193

  Signature                                Date

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Last Edit : 12/8/2008