Dixon, Leng (1916 – 1968)

Leng Dixon was born in Cape Town in 1916, where he also passed away in 1968. He was primarily an illustrator,
one whose sharp eye observed the telling detail and whose lively draughtsmanship captured the animation of the
scenes which he recorded. While he worked in Europe, Dixon’s approach was more subtle and interpretive. In his
hometown he was captivated by the gaiety and humour of the Cape Malays and he translated these into light-
hearted cameos of local colour. His sketches were very much in demand for brochures and booklets dealing with
the Cape and its attractions.

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Leng Dixon

Born - 1916 in Cape Town

Died - 1968 in Cape Town

Leng Dixon was born in 1916 in Cape Town. He joined the New Group after his return from the Camberwell School of Art in London from 1937 to 1938 and a period in Paris in 1939. He subsequently became its Vice-President. Despite the hostilities between the latter and SASA, there is evidence that he opted to show on two SASA exhibitions in 1946 and 1948. His keen observation, translated into elemental, yet animated line combined with washes of watercolour and infillings of gouache, have seen him defined as "primarily an illustrator" (Berman 1983:115). Even though his reputation was such, he was considered important enough to be included on the large exhibition of South African art held at London's Tate Gallery in 1948. His work appeared in many publications and he held many solo exhibitions This view of the Bo-Kaap in Cape Town typifies his picturesque renderings of this area and what Berman calls his "light-hearted cameos of local colour" (1938:115). He died in Cape Town in 1968.