Vine School celebrates the launch of Katherine Graham's biography on Peter Clarke
From left is gallery owner Penny Dobbie, Peter's brother David Clarke, principal of the Peter Clarke Art Centre, Cindie Ah Ling, author Katherine Graham and Richard Clarke, Peter's younger brother.
Image: Supplied
The Vine School held a book launch for one of their pupil’s parents, Katherine Graham, who released her book, Dreaming of Freedom – The Story of Peter Clarke, on Saturday, January 17.
The Peter Clarke Art Centre in Newlands hosted the book launch, which was attended by 40 guests, including the Vine School staff, friends, and family members of the late Peter Clarke.
Ms Graham from Plumstead said her new book is a biography that was originally aimed at children, but is also suitable for adult readers.
“It tells the story of Peter's life and art,” she said.
The book was commissioned by The Vine School’s director, Susan Keegan, who helped publish the book through generous donations.
Ms Graham said she chose to write about Peter Clarke from Simon’s Town, as she wanted to focus on an artist who was born in Cape Town.
“Peter Clarke was the ideal candidate, and I fell in love with his art straight away, especially his oil paintings done in the late 1950s and 60s, as well as his strikingly simple but profound linocuts,” she said.
Ms Graham also met with the Clarke family, including Peter Clarke's brother, David Clarke.
“He shared a heartwarming story of how Peter picked up a piece of driftwood, which most people would have ignored on the beach, and incorporated it into one of his still lifes,” she said.
Mr Clarke, from Lotus River, said he is honoured that Ms Graham could write this story. "It was an impressive book launch, it was encouraging and informative," he said.
Ms Graham thanked The Vine School for their support, and she valued Ms Keegan’s input.
“It was a brave idea to write books for children with the tagline 'real stories that inspire',” she said.
The Vine School spokesperson, Janice Thorne-Smith said literature and art form a central part of the school’s education. “With the support of a generous donor, the school has now published two books introducing pupils to influential South African artists,” she said.
If anyone would like a copy of Dreaming of Freedom – The Story of Peter Clarke, contact the Peter Clarke Art Centre at 021 683 2720 or email info@pcac.co.za
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At the back is author Katherine Graham, along with all the family members of the late Peter Clarke who attended the book launch. From left are Jeremy Koeries, Tania Koeries, Joan Clarke, David Clarke, Michelle Clarke, Richard Clarke and Stanley Clarke.
Image: Supplied