Christenson, Ellen2006-07-202006-07-201996-06http://hdl.handle.net/2263/546ARTICLE ABSTRACT: In this article, the author argues that the patrons of the Union Buildings, Jan Christian Smuts and Louis Botha, commissioned this complex of buildings as part of a specific political agenda during the process of the unification of South Africa: the project was intended as a means of bolstering political support for Botha's bid to head the first Union Government. This analysis provides a framework for a consideration of how the patrons' political agenda conditioned Baker's initial work on the project.2623325 bytesapplication/pdfenComplies with rights as specified by Collection AdministratorUnion BuildingsMerriman, John Xavier, 1841-1926.Baker, Herbert, Sir, 1862-1946Smuts, Jan Christiaan, 1870-1950Botha, Louis, 1862-1919Transvaal Colonial GovernmentRhodes, Cecil, 1853-1902Milner KindergartenPublic Works DepartmentSolomon, E. P.Rissik, J. F. B.Eagle, PiercyHely-Hutchinson, Sir W.Moor, F.R.Fischer, AbrahamEagle and De ZwaanMilner, Alfred Milner, Viscount, 1854-1925Herbert Baker, the Union Buildings, and the politics of architectural patronageArticle