I spent my childhood and teenage years, as the daughter of a prominent Pretoria hotelier. Consequently, I have always been surrounded with thrilling events and ‘larger-than-life’ individuals. It was ‘run-of-the-mill’ to meet and socialize with a steady flow and fascinating variety of international and local celebrities. Actors, singers, directors, sport-stars and politicians were guests at our table.
I still treasure an ‘Autograph’ book, which accompanied me wherever I went. I have the autograph of Olivia Hussey (Romeo and Juliette) which I secured at Nairobi airport in. We were travelling on the same plane from Heathrow to South Africa (1969) and she, as well as the others stars, director and film crew, where on their way to Cape Town where she was to star in ‘Ryan’s Daughter’.
Eventually, I developed a habit to document significant events and objects and my camera became a faithful and constant companion. Fortunately I am now in possession of many treasured, historical and delightful moments that have been recorded over the years. On one specific occasion in 1994, I was unaware that I had been photographed by the late Abri Swiegers during the historic visit of Nelson Mandela to the Dutch Reformed Church in Lynnwood, Pretoria. I was filled with surprise and gratitude when more than a year later, he unexpectedly presented me with the treasured image.