Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- late 1800s - beginning 1900s (Accumulation)
Level of description
Fonds
Extent and medium
96 glass positives; 26 positive slides; digital images
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The origins of Wits University lie in the South African (Kimberley) School of Mines established in 1896. The School was relocated to Johannesburg as the Transvaal Technical Institute in 1904 and renamed the South African School of Mines and Technology in 1910. It changed its name four times before becoming the University of the Witwatersrand in 1922.
Today the School of Mining Engineering at the University of Witwatersrand is recognised as one of the largest mining engineering programmes in the world.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
The deposit of the glass positives, slides and digital images was facilitated by David Larsen, Director of Africamediaonline, in August 2015. The photographs were digitsed by Africamediaonline, and the digital images are available at Historical Papers.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The photographs are historical images of gold mining in South Africa, taken around the late 1800s to beginning 1900s. Many of the images provide a rare insight into the underground world of deep level mining on the Rand, showing miners at work, as well as mining structures and operations.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
The glass positives 82x82mm are stored in a large custom made wooden box.