The Martin Plaut Historical Photographic Collection is a significant body of black-and-white photographs donated to UCT Libraries in 2019 by UK-based journalist and researcher Martin Plaut. A dedicated collector of historical South African photography, Plaut assembled images spanning the Anglo-Boer War, towns of the former Cape Colony, and early twentieth-century urban scenes of Cape Town, including Adderley Street. The collection notably includes rare original prints by Ernest Cole, whose work is central to the visual history of apartheid South Africa.

Donated shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent destruction of the Jagger Library, the collection survived a period of major institutional disruption. Its preservation highlights both the vulnerability and resilience of archives, affirming UCT Libraries’ commitment to restoring access despite significant challenges.

Although received as a single body of material, the collection has been thematically curated and arranged by UCT Libraries. It also connects meaningfully with related holdings, fostering dialogue across collections. The showcase was made possible through collaborative efforts within UCT Libraries, including processing, digitisation, and digital presentation by Special Collections and Digital Scholarship staff.

The images are available for viewing and research, though copyright may reside with various rights holders, and reproduction requires permission.