South African timber buildings : a craft revived / by Rosemary Rudd
Because this book is a pictorial 'journal' of the history of timber construction, it begins with the first wood and iron structures in the country - some ordered from European catalogues - dating back to the early 1800's. Many of these historical buildings still exist today, having been lovingly restored and well maintained. Pleasingly, a number of them have been declared National Monuments. However, a vast number have been destroyed by greedy developers or damaged by vandals. It is highly likely that few, if any, of these charming old buildings will exist beyond the next decade of two and some people regard this as our ' dying heritage'
As the objective of the book was to attempt to change people's perceptions of timber construction, it ends with pictures of some of the truly beautiful homes currently being built right throughout South Africa. The versatility and durability of timber construction needs to be brought to the attention of consumers, and this book seeks to do just that.
.Something about the author:
Rosemary Budd was born in Ndola, Zambia in 1956. Since then she has lived in Zimbabwe (where she completed her education), in England and South Africa, believing that Cape Town is one of the most spectacular places in the world. She has an abiding love of animals, especially cats, and lives in Kommetjie with her husband Keith and their cat Raffles.
She has diplomas in Small Business Management, Business Enterprise Studies, Public Relations and Journalism, and says that her 12 year tenure with the Timber Frame Builders Association was some of the most rewarding work she has ever undertaken.
Another of Rosemary's passions is The Chaeli Campaign - a non-profit organisation, of which she was a founder member. The Chaeili Campaign, powered by children, administered by adults, whose mantra is "mobilising the minds and bodies of disabled children", raises funds for wheel-chair needy children throughout South Africa.
Source : South African timber buildings : a craft revived / by Rosemary Budd.
