Appreciating the old

SAXONWOLD - At one of the Darts lectures, collectors reveal what they hold on to items for years.

October 17, 2016

Chantelle Fourie 1 minute read

David Yates made the effort to salvage many of the old documents his late mother collected.

Collectors like Selwyn Klass and David Yates both proudly hold on to the past.

At Klass’ Decorative Arts Society lecture about Queen Elizabeth II on 10 October in Saxonwold, Yates revealed his collection of newspaper clippings of her royal visit to South Africa in 1947, all translated into Afrikaans. “I don’t know who assembled it, but my late mother held on to it,” he said.

David Yates revealed royal books, newspaper clippings and documents that belonged to his late mother.

He also brought along an 1899 book about the history of Windsor titled Royal Windsor History, covered in plastic. Articles published in South Africa in 1934 about the Queen have also been kept safe in separate folders.

Yates has not yet appraised them but said he would not want to get rid of the memorabilia.

David Yates reveals memorabilia of the Queen's royal visit to South Africa and other older documents. — David Yates reveals memorabilia of the Queen’s royal visit to South Africa and other older documents.

Giving a lecture on Queen Elizabeth, Klass also brought along a collection of letters, invitations and documents. He received an acknowledgment from the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting twice. He has access to rare footage of the Queen’s coronation as well as TV shows that were aired during that time, showing the royal family.

A book about the history of Windsor published in 1899.

Both Klass and Yates have a deep appreciation of the British monarchy. Asked why, Klass said there is a certain mystery surrounding royalty and it allows for a bit of magic in one’s life.

Do you have a piece of history that you keep safe? Tell us about it by sending us a message on Northcliff Melville Times Facebook pages.