The Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre was established as part of a collaborative programme between the Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, the Albany Museum in Grahamstown and the Department of Science and Technology to set up palaeotourism and provide employment opportunities.
James Kitching, who was brought up in Nieu Bethesda, became internationally renowned for his uncanny ability to discover fossils and later became professor in palaeontology at the University of the Witwatersrand. In 1970 he was the first person to collect and identify a specimen of a Karoo therapsid in Antarctica and so demonstrate that Antarctica and southern Africa were once connected.
Past Environments:
The Centre tells the story of life in South Africa 253 million years ago during the Permian Period. This was 50 million years before the first dinosaurs.
Experience a short guided tour to nearby fossil-bearing rocks after you have been into the Fossil Exploration Centre where 3 life-sized models can be viewed along with paintings by the artist Gerhard Marx on scenes without the plants and animals we know today. Humans only arrived around 250 million years later.
The strange and wonderful Owl House started being created by Helen Martins in the 50's and were made famous by Athol Fugard in "The Road to Mecca". Although she has various regligions presented in her Camel Yard, she was fascinated by the East. Helen Martins lay ill in bed one night, with the moon shining in through the window, and considered how dull and grey her life had become. She resolved, there and then, that she would strive to bring light and colour into her life. That simple decision, to embellish her environment, was to grow into an obsessive urge to express her deepest feelings, her dreams and her desires.
From the mundane articles that surround her, 'Miss Helen' (as she was known), extracted and manipulated an emblematic language of sun-faces, owls and other images.
This is all set against a luminous backdrop of walls and ceilings coated with elaborate patterns of crushed glass imbedded in bands of brightly coloured paint. In the pantry, provisions had to make way for colourful jars of carefully graded and sorted glass that she laboriously crushed through a large coffee grinder in the back yard.
It was only when the interior of the house was virtually completed that Miss Helen applied her imagination to the world beyond her door. She was particularly inspired by biblical texts, the poetry of Omar Khayyam, and the works by William Blake over a period of about ten years, she and Koos Malgas created from her imaginings the hundreds of sculptures and relief figures that crowd the 'camel yard' and cover the walls of the house. They utilised basic materials such as cement, wire and glass and playfully transformed everyday objects. Her favourite animals, owls and camels, predominate, but all manner of real and fantastical beings are to be found. Humans take the form of acrobats and graceful 'sun worshippers'. A procession of shepherds and wise men lead a vast, almost life-size camel train toward a humble nativity scene installed in a stable of tiered glass bottles. A sign on the fence orientates the tableau towards and 'east' as designated by Miss Helen, and seamlessly integrates Christianity with her fascination for the orient. The yard is dotted with sphinxes, Buddhas and the sanctuaries of tiered glass bottles that she called her 'Meccas'.
Jacob's Donkey Cart Tours
Jacob started his business in 1997 and you can experience being taken around town by his two donkeys, Vellies and Filand. On the trip Jacob will tell you about how he started his business as well as stories and interesting facts about Nieu-Bethesda. The entertaining running commentary will introduce you to our village so you can experience the best of it.
Arrangements can be made before-hand to be taken through to Ganora and experience a longer donkey cart ride. After the tour we will ensure that you get back to your vehicle.
Jacob's carts are suitable for small groups too. Book him in advance for group arrangements.
Nieu Ceramics
Charmaine Haines is prominently established in the South African ceramics scene. Her work forms part of numerous art collections and she has been selected to represent South Africa at international exhibitions. Working within the realm of figurative clay, Haines uses both abstract and stylised symbols and motives to embellish both her sculptural and utility forms.
Martin Haines
Studio potter living in Nieu-Bethesda producing a range of handmade flatware i.e. plates and platters, also specializing in the production of tiles. He works mainly in the colours of blue and white inspired by traditional early European porcelain namely Delftware.
Frans Boekkooi Studio & Heidi's Gallery
Frans Boekkooi's Sculpture Studio and Heidi's Gallery next to the brewery. Meet this acclaimed artist and see work by other Eastern Cape artists in the adjoining gallery.
Bethesda Art Centre
Art, music, dance, theatre... visit the gallery, see a class in progress, take part in a workshop, or catch a performance at the magical open-air theatre.
These wonderful products are made by our entrepreneurial neighbour Judy Sheard.
Sultry sauces, ravishing relishes, jazzy jams and jellies.
Bread and Butter Pickle - a cucumber relish delicious with cheese and fresh bread. Sublime Beetroot Jam - a sweet spicy relish - serve with cold meats and cheese. Chocolate Indulgence - the ultimate chocolate sauce.
Local ladies making great felt balls and other art objects.
Tel: 071 160 4040
Dutch Reformed Church
Still lit by gas chandeliers that pre-date the arrival of electricity in the town, the imposing white church asserts its presence over the entire valley.
Contact Lou
Tel: 049 8411 755 Cell: 082 7823880
Exclusively Bookshop and Art Gallery
Offers collectables, books for the collector and artworks by top South African artists. Only open during the holidays.
When visiting the Owl House you will be able to visit all the creative crafters selling their goods in the front of the house. From Freddie's wireworks to the replicas of the Owl House's Owls, mermaids, stars, etc. in various shapes and sizes made out of cement and glass. With their creativity the sky is the limit.
Michelle's Hair Studio
Next to Nok Nok, people travel from all over for a treat by Michelle.
Tel: 072 838 5683
The Old Mill
A quaint stone building houses this ancient water mill that used to grind wheat.
Join well-known artist and art teacher Talbot Cox for a happy and expressive weekend workshop aimed at making art a part of your daily existence….explore the many ways of rendering stunning paintings, ideal for quick thumbnails, sketchbooks and fine pieces of art. Take art out of the closet and make it part of your daily world and open your senses to the beauty of the world around you…. Beginners welcome!
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