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MenuHomeUpfront Now Up Books Towns Structures People Firms Lexicon | CATO, Christopher JosephBorn: 1816Died: 1867 03 20 Architect | ||||||||||
When one Thomas Green arrived in Durban in 1843 he described Joseph Cato as being a 'clever architect' (Dominy 1992:19). Cato himself had come to Natal in 1839 and is credited with the design of two early bank buildings in Durban and with the design of the crest seal of Natal (1856). He had some knowledge of civil engineering but as Kearney (1973:74) states, Cato had no formal qualifications as a surveyor or architect. In pioneering style this did not deter him from applying for some sort of official government rating: 'I will explain my meaning about the appointment of Government Architect. I wished you to be kind enough to get me appointed by the Governor and gazetted as such. Then any work the Government does I should be paid for by percentage or salary, while the works are being carried on. In that manner I should be able to take the superintendence of other works. I think you will understand my meaning', wrote Cato to the Surveyor-General of Natal (Kearney 1973:74). Cato did not receive the appointment. Cato's death certificate noted that he had been an 'architect and surveyor' in Durban. He lived on the Berea, married and had three children, William Watts CATO (bn 1849), Christopher Cato (bn 1851) and Laurietta Cato (bn 1855). He died at his home, Mount Vernon, Berea, Durban. A collection of drawings by CJ Cato exist in the Local History Museum in Durban. (ANN vol XII:241; NAD MSCE 3/15/34; NAD MSCE 9771; Spencer 1987:53-5)All truncated references not fully cited in 'References' are those of Joanna Walker's original text and cited in full in the 'Bibliography' entry of the Lexicon. List of projects With photographs With notes
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