Sinclair Beiles Papers (1970 - 2011) (Mss Acc 143)

Abstract

Sinclair Beiles Papers (1970 - 2011) Manuscripts Collection Accession 143

Sinclair Simon Maurice Beiles (1930-2000), is one of South Africa’s more unusual and often underrated poets. He studied at the University of the Witwatersrand and left South Africa in the mid-fifties. After spending time in New Zealand, Spain and Morocco he moved to Paris which at the time was the centre of international bohemia. Sinclair Beiles worked in Paris as chief editor for publisher Maurice Girodias’ Olympia Press. He established links with the American beat generation of writers, particularly Allen Ginsberg, Brion Gysin, Gregory Corso and William Burroughs, and they collaborated on the legendary collection of Dadaist cut-ups, Minutes to go. In 1969 Beiles published a volume of poetry Ashes of experience. He became the first winner of the Ingrid Jonker Memorial Prize for poetry in 1970. In the seventies Beiles returned to South Africa and later married fellow poet Marta Proctor. They settled in Yeoville, Johannesburg and became part of the Yeoville artistic group in the eighties. Beiles had a history of mental instability and his illness made him at times unpredictable and volatile. He continued to write prolifically until his death on 3 November 2000. The Beiles Papers (0.2 linear metres) were donated to the Unisa Library Archives by Dawie Malan in 2001. Recent additional donations from Dawie Malan are incorporated in this updated Inventory. The Papers throw some light on the enigma of Sinclair Beiles.