Aidan Darren St John Ewers
Parents: Elfrieda (Elfie) Natalia Braak and Graeme(Rusty) St John Ewers
Dear Family, Friends and Owners of Olchart Braak Paintings and Braak family memorabilia.
For many years now I have wanted to put a Braak Painting catalogue together. So when I mentioned it to Cousins Muriel and Erica, I received an overwhelming response from them and after that my daughter, Nicolette, posted a Braak painting on Facebook, many others have shown keen interest in this project.
I have searched the web and have only found three paintings to date … so sad!
Many paintings have been taken out of the country as a result of family emigrating, for example, my brother, Richard lives in Austrailia and my daughter, Nicolette, lives in England.
There are paintings displayed in museums, and I shall be investigating more about them.
From a young age I had a keen interest in painting and I was most inspired by my ‘Opa’ Braak’s works of art. This started firstly in Johannesburg and then in Port Alfred where much family time was together during the school holiday periods. I am sure many family members still have fond memories of those special times.
In 1960 my Grandparents moved to East London. When my father died during the same year, my Mother, my brother and I moved in with them.
For the next seven years I can remember sitting for hours just watching ‘Opa’ paint and I was extremely proud when on occasions whilst sitting having tea with only two biscuits dished out by my strict ‘Oma’, ‘Opa’ would sneak another biscuit to me, (when ‘Oma’ was not watching) and ask my opinion on his latest art work.
Two years ago I formed a new company and recently with the assistance of a full time IT employee, I have set up a web page obraak.co.za. –dedicated to my grandfather’s paintings.
I am extremely excited to invite you to view this website and contribute photos and details of your art collection and I have no doubt that there will be a tremendous response from all.
If you are not in favour of placing photos of your painting on the website, I would appreciate you forwarding me the relevant details of your collection so I can include them in a private catalogue.
If for security or personal reasons, you would be willing to display the painting, however, you do not wish to have your name on the website, I would respect your request and the information would read ‘Family owned’ ‘or ‘Private owned’ next to the painting.
The primary objective of this website is to honour my grandfather’s works of art and most importantly his name, Olchart (Otto) Braak, Father, Opa, Grand Opa and Great, Grand Opa, a much loved, well-respected and gentle great man.
It is not my intention to derive any personal gain, other than the joy of sharing his life with his family.
Please forward contact detail of all family members and any other interested friends and owners of O.Braak paintings, on to me.
I look forward to hearing from you all soon.
Regards and love to all.
Aidan
Website: obraak.co.za
