Ernest Cole: The African Middle Class

"At the peak of the black population structure in South Africa there is a relatively privileged group which can be called middle class. Exactly how many it numbers I cannot say. Probably not more than a few thousand. It contains those fortunate enough to have one of the few vocations which offer a Black man the chance to earn a moderate income, and a somewhat larger intellectual elite distinguished by a high school or college education, and an aptitude for speaking English."  - Ernest Cole, House of Bondage

Ernest Cole's influential 1967 photobook, House of Bondage, captured the everyday hardship faced by Black South Africans during apartheid. A new edition of this pivotal book published by Aperture in 2022, preserves Cole's original writings and images, and includes contemporary perspectives on his life and lasting impact.

This digitization of Ernest Cole's archives, along with his first-person accounts, offers the opportunity to appreciate and comprehend the work of one of South Africa’s most significant photographers. This accessible digital collection makes his legacy available for educational purposes, academic study, and research, effectively integrating Cole's contributions into the global visual heritage.

Read more about Ernest Cole’s biography in the title story, Ernest Cole Archives: House of Bondage.