Page 12 - Cape-Camera-October-2023

Cape Camera October 2023

A tribute to Sibyl Morris

A talented photographer and musician

It was with sadness that we learnt that CTPS Honorary Life Member Sibyl Morris

passed away on 29 September, seven weeks after she was diagnosed with an
advanced brain tumour. She made a significant contribution to the society as Cape
Camera editor and top photographer, and enriched the musical world as a pianist

Nowadays, Cape Camera is compiled, edited and de- President’s medal in 2002. That year I handed over the
signed on computer, and instantly saved online — a far editorship to someone who had grandiose plans, who
cry from the hours of manual labour Sibyl Morris devot- could not stay the pace. So, in late 2003 I took over again
ed to the production of the newsletter for eight years. with a bumper July/ December issue and continued in a
This earned her the honour of becoming the recipient of temporary capacity for another year.”
the first Golden Apple award for service to photography Her photographic interest was stimulated many years
introduced by the legendary Roy Johannesson to com- before when her husband gave her a SLR, an Exakta,
memorate his 50-year membership of CTPS in 2001. which she later donated to the CTPS museum,.
Sibyl had joined CTPS in October 1990 after she was im- “The most helpful aspect of joining CTPS was entering
pressed by the society’s centenary cele-
brations. Five years later she answered
the call for a volunteer to edit Cape
Camera, which was at that time mailed
to members on an A4 Roneoed sheet
every second month.
“Sensing that I needed to learn about
computers, which were then a closed
book to me, I volunteered, purchased
a computer, and asked my elder son to
set up A5 pages for me. I had to learn
fast!” she was quoted in the CTPS 125-
year celebration book. “During the
eight years (more or less) that I edited it,
I learnt a great deal and really enjoyed
it as well. It was a source of pride to me
that I managed to get it printed and
posted every two months like clock-
work. Above: One of Sibyl’s bird images.
“For my effort I was awarded the CTPS Right: her memorial programme.
12 Cape Town Photographic Society