Gerald Moerdijk

Gerald Leendert Pieter Moerdijk (born the March 4th 1890 in Zwaershoek close to Nylstroom in the Transvaal and dead the March 29th 1958 with Nylstroom) was a Architecte of South Africa whose most known realization was the Voortrekker Monument of Pretoria. It is also known under the name of Gerald Moerdyk in Afrikaans.

Gerald Moerdijk was born in the Republic of South Africa from Transvaal in 1890 immigrant parents Dutch in South Africa in 1888.

During the War of Boers (1899 - 1902), Gerald Moerdijk (10 years old) was interned in the Concentration camp Britannique of Standerton with his mother, his two brothers and his two sisters. The whole family survived.

After the war, Moerdijk settled in Pretoria where Gerald followed a schooling to future prestigious Pretoria Boys High School. Graduate of the vat with mention in 1909, it follows studies of architecture in England, France and Italy where it specializes in architecture rebirth and Roman.

Moerdijk was the first South-African member of the " Royal Institute off British Architects".

Of return in South Africa in 1913, its first order is the construction of the church of Bothaville which it receives after being arrived first at a contest. It receives thereafter more than 80 order of churches which it draws by incorporating of the elements of traditional architecture nérlandaise of the Cape (Dutch Cape).

It also builds innumerable banks, hospital, town halls and particular houses. One will raise in particular the " Bank" reserve; of Bloemfontein, buildings of the University of Pretoria, Old Merensky Library and Edoardo Villa Museum.

The construction of Voortrekker Monument starting from 1938 will constiuera its chief of work.

Homages

"Gerald Moerdyk Restaurant" in the district of Arcadia to Pretoria, located in a house built in 1920 by the architect for his wife like wedding gift.
" Gerald Moerdyk Street" in the district of Sunnyside to Pretoria where the " is located; village of artistes" (Overzicht Artists' Village).

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