Voortrekker monument exhibits works of well-known sculptor

The Voortrekker monument (VTM) and heritage foundation are now the proud keepers of works of one of the most well-known sculptors in the country.

According to Gerhard Pretorius, VTM spokesperson, they received no less than eight sculptures, made of plaster and bronze, by Hennie Potgieter, to keep in the museum.

They are, however, not the monument’s property.

“Potgieter’s daughter, Kitta Potgieter, who lives in Scotland, requested that the monument preserve the sculptures after her sister, Olga, passed away.”

Potgieter said she just wanted to find a place where her father’s art works could be appreciated and kept safe.

Pretorius said the sculptor was born in 1916, close to Paul Roux in the Free State and started his career at an early age.

“In December 1947, Potgieter travelled with his wife, Bettie, and Laurika Postma to keep an eye on the mining of the marble that was used in the monument.

“In 1987 he received a medal from the South African Academy of Art and Science for his work. He passed away in 1992.”

Gerard de Kamper, curator of collections at the University of Pretoria’s museums, said most of Potgieter’s works dealt with the worker and the working class.

“Potgieter is viewed as a cultural sculptor, as well as a monumental sculptor, who produced a lot of works for museums.

“Well-known works include the ‘Saaier en Maaier’ now at the Willem Prinsloo museum. And his most famous work is the statue of Koos de la Rey, in Lichtenburg.”

These works can be viewed at the heritage foundation, Pretorius said.

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