Page 48 - SARB: 100-Year Journey

Sir Baker’s architectural imprint is etched across South Africa. He designed the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the Rhodes University building and St Andrew’s College in Grahamstown, St John’s College in Johannesburg and Wynberg Boys High School in Cape Town.
The discussions about the Head Office building provide insights about the value the Board placed on aesthetic prestige for the new institution.
At the February 1930 meeting, for instance, the Board approved the construction of an additional floor, or an ‘attic’, to hide “the uninteresting western wall of the Mutual building which, owing to its height, has spoilt the beautiful lines of the Bank’s building ...”. (South African Reserve Bank, Reports of Ordinary General Meetings, 1930–1936).
In July 1931, the Bank moved into the newly completed building on Church Square. This was a significant step up compared to the modest premises the Bank had occupied at its inception.
Governor Clegg could not contain his excitement.
“Before proceeding on the business of the day I feel I should on behalf of the Board welcome you to this meeting in the Bank’s new building,” he said at the start of the SARB’s 11th Ordinary General Meeting in July 1931, which was his last as Governor.
“I think you will agree with me that the Bank should congratulate itself on becoming possessed of such a beautiful building, and should express their appreciation of Sir Herbert Baker’s genius in designing it, and Mr. Fleming’s ability, care and assiduity in carrying it out,” said Clegg (South African Reserve Bank, Reports of Ordinary General Meetings, 1930−1936). (Mr Fleming had supervised the SARB’s building plans on behalf of Baker.)
“Nor must we forget the contractors, Messrs, Gill and Sons, Mr. Johnson, the Clerk of Works and the foreman and workmen who have certainly supplied in no stinted measure the skill and knowledge necessary to bring this noble work to completion,” added Clegg (South African Reserve Bank, Reports of Ordinary General Meetings, 1930−1936, p 1).
38