The Chronicler of the Cape
To look at the works of Thomas William Bowler is to witness a meticulous recording of a landscape in transition. He was not merely a painter; he was a self-taught observer who captured thirty-five years of history across the Cape of Good Hope through landscapes and seascapes. His output, comprising roughly 540 watercolours, oil paintings, and sketches, provides a concrete visual record of the region's evolution. While his early days involved service to the Astronomer Royal, Thomas Maclear, his true legacy lies in the lithographs and engravings that documented the changing face of Cape Town and its surroundings.
His development was marked by a shift from a manservant and tutor to a professional drawing master. After arriving at the Cape in 1834, he moved through various roles, including teaching at the Diocesan College and the South African College. His technical skill was refined not only through personal practice but also through formal tuition with James Duffield Harding after his return to England in 1854. This period of study helped transition his work from initial attempts at recording surroundings to more sophisticated topographical views.
A Topographical Record
Bowler’s importance is found in the specificities of his subjects. He documented significant historical events and infrastructure, such as the opening of the Cape Town to Wellington railway line and the landing of troops at Port Natal. His ability to translate the geography of the Cape Colony into print allowed these scenes to reach a wider audience. The following works represent the breadth of his geographical focus:
- Views of Cape Town, including Table Bay and Lion's Head.
- Landscapes of Natal and Mauritius.
- Topographical studies of Robben Island and Simon's Town.
- Detailed depictions of the Kaffir Wars and British settlers in South Africa.
His technique relied heavily on lithography and watercolour, mediums that allowed for the precise detail required for topographical accuracy. He often utilized a wide format for his oils and panoramic watercolours, a choice that suited the expansive scenery of the coast from Camps Bay to Sea Point. Even in his more personal sketches, such as those made during his time at the observatory, there is a clear intent to document the physical reality of the landscape.
The Final Movements
The end of Bowler's life was defined by continued movement and an attempt to expand his published reach. His travels took him through Mauritius and Egypt, driven by the goal of producing a portfolio titled Twenty Views of Mauritius. This ambition remained unfulfilled, as he died in London in 1869 shortly after arriving from his travels. Despite the lack of certain planned publications, the sheer volume of his existing works—including 64 published lithographs—ensures that his visual documentation of the mid-19th century Cape remains intact for study.
