A Day in the Life of the University of Pretoria. 15 April 1939

On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" the Minister of Education, Adv H.A. Fagan opened the Merensky Library.

In 1933, it was decided to construct a separate building for the library which was then still located in the Old Arts Building. With a contribution of £5 000 from mining geologist Dr Hans Merensky, construction started in 1937. General Jan Smuts laid the foundation stone on 11 October 1937 and on 15 April 1939 the building was officially opened. In designing the building, architect Gerhard Moerdyk was influenced by various styles, including Art Deco, Neoclassicism, Arts and Crafts, as well as local styles such as Cape Dutch and Regency. Moerdyk himself described the building as a study in Persian style, with influences from Africa including the Zimbabwe and ancient Egyptian ruins. He used local materials and incorporated symbols of African origin. The prominent zigzag pattern, for example, is taken from the Zimbabwe ruins and represents water and fertility. The curving of the walls symbolizes an open book. The green beveled glass windows were imported from Europe and helped to minimize heat from the sun and also protected paper against ultraviolet light. The design of the building is a source of controversy and speculation with some claiming that Moerdyk used it as a practice-run for the design of the Voortrekker Monument, as there are many similarities between the two buildings. Today this national monument serves as the Edoardo Villa Museum and also houses the Mimi Coertse and other library collections.

The University of Pretoria Archives (UPA) preserves the history of the University of Pretoria. The UPA has an extensive photo collection and clipping collection. Please contact us on [email protected] to share your memories of Tukkies or to access our collection.