Earlier this year, the Architectural Archives at the University of Pretoria (AAUP) received a significant and historic collection of photographs of the Coromandel Estate Manor House. Designed by the renowned Italian architect Marco Zanuso (1916-2001) and constructed in 1975, this weekend house was commissioned by Sydney Press (1919-1997), the then-owner of Edgars Consolidated Stores Limited. Press, a prominent figure in South Africa's retail history, transformed Edgars from a small clothing shop in Johannesburg, which opened in 1929, into a retail giant.

The collection was personally delivered by Suzanne Press, Sydney Press's daughter, in two cardboard boxes containing 20 smaller black boxes meticulously packed with foam and tissue paper. These boxes hold black and white photographs of the Press farm and Coromandel House, taken by the celebrated South African photographer David Goldblatt. The collection also includes family photos, documentation of the house during its construction, and images of the working farm. Moreover, it contains records of Sydney Press's visits to Argentina and Brazil, where he met the famous landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx (1909-1994), who was initially involved in designing the gardens surrounding the manor house.

AAUP - Photograph of Victoria and Sydney Press at Coromandel

The photographs are now securely stored in the air-conditioned archive storeroom at AAUP. They will soon be indexed and made digitally accessible to interested parties. The Department of Architecture at the University of Pretoria is profoundly grateful to Suzanne Press for entrusting this important South African collection to the AAUP.

The Architectural Archives at the University of Pretoria has long been a repository of South Africa's architectural heritage. Established to preserve the works and legacies of significant architects, the archives serve as an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and historians. The collection of the Coromandel Estate photographs is a testament to the AAUP's ongoing commitment to safeguarding South Africa's architectural history.

The archives are not just a storage facility but a vibrant centre for research and education. It houses an extensive collection of drawings, plans, photographs, and documents that chronicle the evolution of architecture in South Africa. The AAUP also actively digitises its collections, ensuring these invaluable resources are accessible to a global audience. This digitisation project aligns with the university's broader mission to promote knowledge sharing and academic excellence.

The Department of Architecture at the University of Pretoria has a distinguished history of producing graduates who excel in various architecture and heritage preservation fields. The school's alums have played pivotal roles in numerous restoration and preservation projects across South Africa and beyond. The preservation of the Coromandel Estate Manor House is a prime example of the school's influence and the dedication of its graduates to conserving cultural heritage.

Many alums have contributed to restoring and maintaining historic buildings, ensuring these structures retain their original charm while adapting to contemporary needs. Their work often involves meticulous research, innovative design solutions, and a deep respect for the historical significance of the buildings they restore. The involvement of the school's alums in such projects underscores the University's impact on the architectural profession and its commitment to preserving South Africa's architectural legacy.

Suzanne Press, the daughter of Sydney Press, has played a crucial role in preserving her family's legacy and the architectural heritage of the Coromandel Estate. Her decision to donate the photographic collection to the AAUP reflects her dedication to ensuring that the history and significance of the manor house are not forgotten. Suzanne's contribution is particularly noteworthy as it bridges the past and the present, allowing future generations to appreciate the architectural and cultural heritage of the Coromandel Estate.

The Press family has a rich history intertwined with South Africa's social and economic development. Sydney Press, a visionary entrepreneur, transformed Edgars into a significant retail enterprise, leaving an indelible mark on the country's retail landscape. His passion for architecture and design is evident in his commissioning of the Coromandel Estate Manor House, a masterpiece of modernist architecture.

Suzanne Press has continued her father's legacy by preserving the estate and sharing its history with the public. Her efforts ensure that the story of the Coromandel Estate, its architectural significance, and the Press family's contributions to South Africa's heritage are documented and accessible.

The Coromandel Estate Manor House, designed by Marco Zanuso, is an architectural gem. Zanuso, an Italian architect known for his modernist designs, created a weekend house that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings. The manor house is a testament to Zanuso's innovative design principles, characterised by clean lines, open spaces, and a harmonious relationship with the landscape.

The involvement of Roberto Burle Marx in designing the gardens further enhances the estate's architectural significance. Burle Marx, a renowned landscape architect, brought his unique vision to the project, creating gardens that complement the modernist aesthetic of the manor house. His designs are celebrated for their bold use of colour, native plants, and organic forms, harmonising with the architecture and natural environment.

The addition of the Coromandel collection to the AAUP is a significant milestone for the University of Pretoria. It enriches the archives' holdings and offers a unique insight into South Africa's architectural heritage. The Department of Architecture's dedication to preserving and sharing this heritage is evident in its commitment to digitising the collection and making it accessible to researchers and the public.

The story of the Coromandel Estate, the Press family, and the contributions of the University of Pretoria's alums to heritage preservation underscores the importance of such efforts in maintaining cultural continuity. As the AAUP continues to safeguard and share South Africa's architectural legacy, the Coromandel collection stands as a testament to the enduring value of preserving our built environment and the stories it holds.