The William Humphreys Art Gallery is proud to announce the release of two new publications — The Reconfiguration of WHAG’s Founding Collection and For Some, the Pathway to Education Lies Between Thorns by Peter E. Clarke — each offering an opportunity for readers to get a glimpse into WHAG’s legendary and diverse collection.

Whether you are an art lover, teacher, collector, student, or visitor discovering our museum for the first time, these books provide an accessible yet insightful look into the works that shape our story.

The Reconfiguration of WHAG’s Founding Collection

The Reconfiguration of WHAG’s Founding Collection celebrates the reinterpretation, rehanging and redress of WHAG’s founding collection. This exhibition, made up of 16th to 20th century European paintings, furniture and sculptures, has been a long-term loan in the Museum’s collection for decades and became woven into the visual and institutional identity of WHAG. The exhibition is a way of remembering the origins of WHAG while still engaging with the collection with a critical, contemporary eye, especially as we question its place in a postcolonial Museum in post-Apartheid South Africa. Curated by Chepape Makgato and with texts written by Lelethu Sobekwa, readers will find Makgato’s curatorial statement regarding the exhibition and Sobekwa’s artist biographies and interpretations on each painting in the collection.

This book is essential for those interested in the origins of WHAG’s permanent collection.

 For Some, the Pathway to Education Lies Between Thorns by Peter E. Clarke

For Some, the Pathway to Education Lies Between Thorns is a travelling solo exhibition of works by the late South African artist, writer, and poet Peter E. Clarke, drawn from the collection of the William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG). Bringing together linocuts, woodcuts, paintings, and watercolours produced over several decades, with personal letters, the exhibition reflects on education not as an abstract right or policy objective, but as a lived experience shaped by geography, history, class, and enduring social inequalities. Clarke’s work invites viewers to consider education as a journey, often long, uneven, and physically demanding – particularly for those situated at the margins of society. The latest stop in this traveling exhibition was UNISA Art Gallery, with the exhibition opening on 14 March 2026 and closing on 18 April 2026. Curated by Chepape Makgato, the book gives readers a curatorial statement by the curator, an interpretative piece on the exhibition by assistant curator Malikah Meyer, a conversational piece between Makgato and Meyer, and transcripts of the speeches given at the exhibition’s reception at UNISA Art Gallery on 14 March 2026 by Makgato and Prof. Siyasanga M Tyali (Senior academic and Director of School of Arts- UNISA). The entire Peter E. Clarke collection from WHAG and UNISA Art Gallery is also showcased, as well as Clarke’s artworks from Makgato’s private collection.

This book is a must-read for lovers of Peter E. Clarke’s artworks wishing to celebrate the legacy and artworks of a legend in the South African art landscape.

How to Purchase

Both publications are available directly from WHAG:

Support WHAG’s work by adding these inspiring books to your personal library — or gifting them to someone passionate about art and culture.

Bring a piece of WHAG home.

Visit our Museum Shop or Order Online today.