PAN reader Kate Dearlove, the Picture Library Manager at photo library African Pictures, has sent us this contributor highlight about photographer Peter Magubane.
The team at African Pictures has been delving into the archives to showcase some of their many gems. ‘It is imperitave we preserve our heritage so that we may tell these important stories. The library is part of the Africa Media Online group who digitise valuable African collections to showcase African historic, cultural and natural heritage. Bringing rich history to the wider community.’
Dr Peter Magubane is an international icon in the photography world. His creative skill extended to hiding his camera from police in a hollowed out Bible then firing with a cable release from his pocket. On other occasions he took covert shots with his camera, which was hidden beneath his jacket, inside a milk carton or half a loaf of bread, which he pretended to eat while taking images.’
Peter captured many key moments in South African history, from the horror of the Sharpville Massacre (above image) to the plush white Jazz clubs. Here are some things to know about Peter Magubane photo career:
- He was Nelson Mandela’s photographer from 1990-2013
- Photographed Sharpville Massacre (see 4th image)
- He was banned by the apartheid government
- He was detained for 586 days without trial under the Terrorism Act in 1969
- He has published 17 books
- He received the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from the South African government in 2002
View, search and licence Peter’s photography here.