Tom Blomefield The former miner, born in 1926 in Johannesburg, went to Zimbabwe in 1945 to grow Tobacco. He called his farm Tengenenge, which means “Beginning of the beginning” in Chewa-language. Cyclones, draughts, discovery of Chrome and finally economic sanctions were just some highlights in Tom´s life until the mid 60ies. His creativity, which he inherited from his mother, a Serpentine-Mine and his dream to secure a future for himself and his workers and friends through art were his motivation to initiate an art-community.
Picasso´s friend, Frank McEwan, had just taken over the running of the National Gallery of Salisbury (now Harare) and discovered the outstanding potential of young African artists. Despite the reservations, if not to say opposition, of most of the White establishment in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and due to his sound knowledge of art and very good connections he was able to make “Shona-Art” popular all over the world and appreciated by all mayor Museums/Collectors.