The Public Library renovation finally got going

The historic Port Elizabeth Public Library in the city centre has been closed to the public for over three years now with promises of renovations but excuses of no budget. Well, if you had to pass the library today you won't be able to see the scene in the photo. It is because the library … Continue reading The Public Library renovation finally got going →

Campanile view – Looking west towards Central

Yesterday I posted a picture of the view looking north from the Campanile observation floor. It means I have three more directions and what's the use of showing you only one? So here is the view to the west. The Settlers Freeway is at the bottom and slightly to the left of the centre of the picture is … Continue reading Campanile view – Looking west towards Central →

Queen Victoria and the library

It's really sad that the magnificent historic Public Library in the city centre is still closed with no indication on when the necessary work will be done or at what stage budget will be available to do it. The building was built in 1901 with the façade constructed in England and shipped to Port Elizabeth in … Continue reading Queen Victoria and the library →

A gargoyle and a knight at the Public Library

Have you ever noticed the knight above the old city emblem on the Public Library in the city centre? Or the figure below? Although probably a gargoyle but it does look like some mythical forest creature.

Towers and spires

The historic Public Library along with the even more historic St Mary's Anglican Cathedral in the city centre has a very nice collection of interesting spires and little towers.

Queen Vic

One of my absolute favorite historic buildings is the old Public Library across the road from the City Hall and Market Square. The building was built in 1901 with the façade constructed in England and shipped to Port Elizabeth in numbered blocks to be reassembled in front of the building. The statue of Queen Victoria was added … Continue reading Queen Vic →

Public Library at midnight

A couple of nights ago I attended the Eastern Cape provincial Lilizela Tourism Awards at the Feather Market Centre. Most of us parked on Market Square and on my way back to the car somewhere between 11 and midnight I snapped this picture of the historic Public Library with Queen Vic in the spotlight.

Then and Now – Queen Victoria Statue and Public Library

One of Port Elizabeth's best known historic landmarks is the Public Library with the statue of Queen Victoria in front of it. The statue of Queen Vic was unveiled by major of Port Elizabeth, J.C. Kemsley, on 30 September 1903. It was carved from Sicilian marble by Edward Roscoe Mullins of London to commemorate the Queen's Diamond … Continue reading Then and Now – Queen Victoria Statue and Public Library →

Public Library facade

The Public Library across the road from City Hall and Market Square in the city centre is my absolute favourite historic building in Port Elizabeth both inside and out. The library building was opened in 1901 and the interesting part of it was that the front facade was built in England, dismantled and brought down … Continue reading Public Library facade →

The crowning pigeon

I don't quite think I would like to be a statue. Yes, people walk past you and remember you every day, tourists stop by and take pictures and you have lots of feathered company but the problem is those same feathered friends and what they leave behind when they fly off again. Passing Queen Vic in … Continue reading The crowning pigeon →