Page 14 - Cape-Camera-January-2024

January 2024 Cape Camera Cape Camera January 2024

Above: The CTPS centenary exhibition was attended
by honorary life members Roy Johannesson, Ray
Ryan, Ted Dickinson and Ian Levy.

Left: Lesley Parolis and Nicol du Toit visited Ian Levy
and his friend Mercia Strieman.
Down memory lane with

honorary member Ian Levy

During his 57 years as a CTPS member, Ian Levy witnessed many of the Society's
highs and lows, and contributed to several memorable events. An invitation to

tea with Ian, who remains a loyal CTPS supporter, was therefore accepted with

alacrity by some council members, reports TRUDI DU TOIT.

Lesley Parolis recently received an in future monthly competitions.
email from Ian Levy's friend Mercia For the members who may not re-
Strieman informing her that he un- member Ian from profiles published
derwent major surgery on his leg in Cape Camera in 2015 and the
during Covid, which incapacitated book Celebrating 125 Years of the
him for a long time, but that he has Cape Town Photographic Society, just
recovered and would very much like a short update, in his own words:
to be updated about what is hap-
pening at CTPS. "By trade I am a an interior decorator
and manufacturer of soft furnishings.
It has been difficult for him to partici- My late Dad was a very keen photog-
pate in CTPS activities, but his interest rapher and so it was through him that
hasn’t waned! Mercia said, inviting I was taught the basic rudiments of
Lesley to tea. photography. At the age of six, I am
Nicol and Trudi du Toit, who ar- told, I was quite adept at developing
ranged the celebrations of Ian's 50th film in a dish under his desk."
membership year in 2017, promptly In his teens Ian became his school's
invited themselves along. photographer for the various sport
The invitation to tea turned out to be teams and after he left school, cine
a sumptuous treat that would put the became his main interest.
Mount Nelson's High Tea to shame. It He joined the Cape Cine Club, of A special certificate was presented to Ian
was further sweetened by Ian's de- which he became president in 1965. to celebrate his 50 years of CTPS mem-
bership. In the top image is the council
lightful reminiscences of people and They had a reciprocal membership of 1990, when Ian (front left) was vice-
events from CTPS' past. We could agreement with CTPS and Ian, once president.
also marvel at the excellent quality of again, gravitated to still photog- The image at the bottom feature the
his cupboard full of prints. Hopefully raphy alongside producing16mm honorary life members who attended the
we'll be seeing more of his print work documentary films when he be- 125th celebration dinner.

14 Cape Town Photographic Society