Coert Steynberg, the well-known sculptor, also called the area
north of the Magalies his home. He was born on 7 January 1905 in
Hennopsrivier, but lived, worked and died at Berg Avenue in
Pretoria North.
After completing high school, Steynberg studied Art at
Grahamstown University and also obtained the Cape of Good Hope
Teachers Certificate.
He was allowed to further his studies at the London Royal
College in the UK, where he completed a three year course in two
years. He even received the prize, awarded once in five years, for
the best sculptural work in stone. Queen Mary handed it to him
herself.
Not having enough money to pay for his return, Steynberg
remained in England for six years. He married Betsie Bosman in 1940
and thanks to completing some important works he could afford to
buy the plot in Berg Avenue.
There he lived all his life, with his wife and daughter and
later became known as the "man of the Magaliesberg".
Coert Steynberg completed many works on commission and his works
of art can be found throughout the country. He is best remembered
for sculpting the statue of Paul Kruger, which is in the Kruger
National Park.
Amongst others, he sculpted the impressive oxwagon memorial at
Blood River. Steynberg died in 1982 and he and his wife are both
buried in Berg Avenue.
Today the house and studios form the Coert Steynberg Museum.
Sadly no entry are permitted inside the museum, but on my last
maintenance visit I noticed that a lot of cleaning up and
restorations are taking place and hopefully the museum will be
opened to the public again.
For your convenience I have included photos of the sculptures
that are standing in the gardens of the Museum (please see the
attached photos on this listing);
The cache is hidden outside the Museum in the parking area
and there is no need to go inside the empty buildings. Please bring
a pen as there is no space in the cache.
PS. The friendly security guards at the museum know
about the cache.