Whitehall Court !

Whitehall is a grand old apartment block in the affluent suburb of Killarney, Johannesburg, Apartments in this block are expensive and much sought after. It was originally owned by the Schlesinger family as a residence before being converted into a 'sectional title' block. The extraordinary elegance and affluence of large parts of South African cities should always be seen against the counterpoint reality of poverty, destitution and inequality.

The Schlesinger family, notably the father who arrived in South Africa in 1894 and his son John were among the most successful and enterprising among those who came to South Africa to make their fortunes in the context of the diamond and gold rushes, and associated industries at the time. The family were notable patrons of the arts and acquired a famous collection, much of it bequeathed to the University of the Witwatersrand. For more information on the family, and on Killarney and indeed South Africa see: www.heritageportal.co.za/article/schlesingers-south-africa

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