Book Talk
World-renowned Jewish Capetonian photographer, author and publisher, Marc Hoberman, has recently made a generous donation of his book collection to the Jacob Gitlin Library. Many in the community will no doubt know of the prolific father-and-son duo – Marc and his late father, Gerald Hoberman (1943-2013) – and their exceptional coffee table books. Marc has donated a wide collection of the Hobermans’ best-known works (including classics like Cape Town, Lighthouses of South Africa and Carnival in Venice), as well as Marc’s latest five books, just released within the last few months.
A truly magnificent display is available to view at the Library. It’s well worth a visit to take a look and enjoy. In true Hoberman style, the display is far more than just a table of books. Marc has personally designed the display which includes rare early Hoberman works on loan, including Gerald’s The Art of Coins and Marc’s London! (Harrods limited edition); fascinating stories; along with memorabilia from the Hoberman family’s archives (such as Gerald’s Leica camera, recovered from the ocean floor after his infamous helicopter crash from which he miraculously survived!)
The Hoberman legacy is a romantic one – from a shared dream between father and son to elevate the coffee table book to a fine art, Gerald and Marc launched HOBERMAN from their Constantia family home garage in 1999, mere days after Gerald retired from the family’s coal business (Coalcor) and Marc matriculated from Herzlia. Their exceptionally lavish books and iconic photography impacted not only the local market but throughout the world’s publishing industry.
Bucking the trend of the time – when publishers were increasingly lowering quality and price – the Hobermans’ books were celebrated with critical acclaim and international attention. Gerald and Marc were invited to make the official product for all of Her Majesty The Queen’s Palaces, and collaborate with brands such as Harrods and Ralph Lauren.
Crediting his father for the mentorship and example he set, Marc’s own professional success has made him a worthy successor to the Hoberman brand. Among numerous accolades, he won a National Geographic award for his wildlife photography; has been appointed as the official photographer for the BAFTA (British Academy of Film Awards); and serves as the official private photographer for Elton John.
And, despite all his international travel and the interactions with some of the world’s biggest celebrities, Marc remains proud of his Cape Town Jewish heritage. “I would truly love more members of the local community to share the pleasure of the Hoberman books, which is why I decided to make all our books available via the Gitlin Library,” he concludes.
An amusing story related by Marc Hoberman
Marc recently published no less than five new books – all at the same time. Chatting to Rabbi Nissen Goldman over lunch one day, he wondered aloud: “What kind of meshuggeneh produces five books in one go?” Not expecting an answer to his rhetorical musing, he was delighted by Rabbi Goldman’s reply, “Moses did that!”
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