Page 25 - Bulletin 7 2003

22

ELLIOTT’S PHOTOGRAPHS OF KALK BAY: THEN & NOW

Barrie Gasson

The following Arthur Elliott photographs of Kalk Bay are arranged in “Then and
Now” pairs in historical sequence. It seems that Elliott may have made at least four

photographic trips to Kalk Bay, as suggested by the presence or absence of dateable
landmarks in his various scenes: pre-1903 (wreck of trawler Rex 1903; Kalk Bay

Fish and Land Co. building 1903; sea-side rail platform / promenade 1904; St. James

Aquarium 1904); post-1907 (boat gantries on Fishery Beach 1907); post-1919
(harbour breakwater 1919); post-1927 (electrified and doubled railway line on new

viaduct).

As far as possible the “Now” shots have been taken from the same sites as those

chosen by Elliott. In many instances the changes that have occurred since his time
made it necessary to use a different vantage point and so there are some unavoidable

differences between partners in a pair. But in others, like the shot of Danger Beach or
the one from the top of Ponder Steps or the one of the site where Patmos stood, it

was possible to stand more or less on the same spot as he had. Thereafter, the

differences in quality between the “Thens” and “Nows” are testimony to Elliott’s
care and patience in composing his shots and in choosing the right season and time of

day to light his subjects to perfection – as has been so well related by Hans Fransen.

The changes wrought by a century of modernity are evident from the comparisons.
Yet there are many scenes that have scarcely changed in 70 years. And

notwithstanding all the changes Kalk Bay itself, compared with many other settled

areas on the Peninsula, seems as mature, permanent, and special as the mountain
behind it and the bay before it. A happy blend of many Cape elements still survives

here.