The sculpture was commissioned in the context of the construction of the Johannesburg Civic Theatre (now known as the Joburg Theatre). The German born sculptor, Ernest Ullman, moved to South Africa in 1935 and rapidly established himself as an artist of significance in Johannesburg. He was the official artist and designer for South African Chamber of Mines, and produced numerous public sculpture commissions, murals and stained glass works. Like the Miners Monument, the artwork is part of a group of older and more traditional public artworks that can still be found in the inner city. The Playmakers was donated by Dr Rudolf Jordan and Mrs Charlotte Jordan nee Kirchoffs.
A bronze cast sculpture of three women in a circle holding hands and leaning back. The sculpture stands in water with little fountains sprouting towards it at approximately 3m high and 2m diameter.
The sculpture was commissioned in the context of the construction of the Johannesburg Civic Theatre (now known as the Joburg Theatre). The German born sculptor, Ernest Ullman, moved to South Africa in 1935 and rapidly established himself as an artist of significance in Johannesburg. He was the official artist and designer for South African Chamber of Mines, and produced numerous public sculpture commissions, murals and stained glass works. Like the Miners Monument, the artwork is part of a group of older and more traditional public artworks that can still be found in the inner city. The Playmakers was donated by Dr Rudolf Jordan and Mrs Charlotte Jordan nee Kirchoffs.
A culmination of research gathered over many years, the Online Johannesburg Heritage Register is being launched on Nelson Mandela Day 18 July 2025.
Among the many heritage sites featured is Chancellor House, the downtown offices of Mandela and Tambo Attorneys in the 1950s. After having been vacant and shuttered for more than a decade, this iconic building is being revived and brought to life once again as offices for the Community Development Department, which oversees the City’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Services.
