George Harrison (prospector)

George Harrison was the prospector who allegedly discovered gold in the Witwatersrand on Langlaagte farm. He was a friend of George Walker[1] and George Honeyball. He apparently found the main reef in 1886. He later left the Rand.

Tienie Pritchard's statue of Harrison: "The Miner"

He is believed to have sold his claim for £10.[2]

The site of Harrison's claim has since become George Harrison Park in Johannesburg. In 2013[3] and 2015[4] the park was reported to be in a state of disrepair; as of June 2019 an undated article on the Johannesburg Parks website states that a major refurbishment is planned.[5]

A 1988 statue of Harrison by Tienie Pritchard, also known as "The Miner", was commissioned to celebrate the centenary of Johannesburg. It is 4 metres (13 ft) tall and is described as "one of the largest sculptures in South Africa". It is sited at Settlers Park, Eastgate.[6]

Sources

References
  1. "George Walker, co-discoverer with George Harrison of the gold reef of the Witwatersrand, dies in poverty in Krugersdorp". South African History Online. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  2. "George Harrison Park". South African History Online. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
  3. Ball, James (9 October 2013). "A Depressing Visit to George Harrison Park". The Heritage Portal. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
  4. Whitfield, Gavin (14 October 2015). "George Harrison Park - A Battle Lost?". The Heritage Portal. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
  5. "Plans for George Harrison Park". Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
  6. "George Harrison". Tienie Pritchard. Retrieved 2 June 2019. With images of the sculpture being installed


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