Colour photocopy of newspaper article Obituary. Dated Saturday, May 23, 2015. Article is not complete. Titled Peter Ellis O. Reads: Bendigo is set to farewell a true national treasure. Dawn Rasmussen reports. Peter Ellis OAM 1946-2015. Friends, colleagues and mates around the world agree, with the passing of Peter Ellis OAM, Bendigo has lost a national treasure. 'Peter was passionate about dance, music, photography and the environment, and watching him tend to his interests, like a juggler with 100 different objects in the air, was a sight to behold,' friend John Williams said. In his 70th year, Peter was known for his casual approach to the niceties but he always insisted his teapot be adorned with a suitable tea cosy. He enjoyed a glass of wine with friends, hunting up the history of folklore, dance and music, and nothing better than a walk in the bush. Peter is one of the leading collectors and presenters of traditional dance tunes, dances and musical instruments in Australia. At the 2005 National Folk Festival it was announced by Robyn Holmes that he has the largest selection of dance related material collected in the National Library Archives in Canberra, collected over many years, with mates like the late John Meredith (AM), Shirley Andrews (AM), Rob Willis and Dave Di Santi among others. He literally travelled Australia collecting, and had extensive field recordings from Western Australia and Tasmania in addition to his Victorian collection. .. .. .. And central Victoria. Peter collected a lot of material from Harry McQueen (Castlemaine), who played in dance bands for over 60 years in central Victoria. Harry had a number of tunes from Bill McGlashan who had taken Harry under his wing as a young man. Through Peter's efforts much valuable material and knowledge from almost a century ago was saved for posterity. As a charter member and life member of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo and the Victorian Folk Music Club, a member of the famous Wedderburn Old Timers Band for over 28 years (two platinum and several gold recordings in that time), founder and leader of the Emu Creek Bush Band (29 years old in 2010) and creator of the 'Friday Night at the Spring Gully Hop' single CD, Peter has been a driving force in the local band and live music scene. Turning his attention to ensuring the music he unearthed would not be forgotten or let lay idle again, under his guidance three double CD's called Quadrille Mania' which contain many rare dances and tunes which have been learnt and recorded were produced, and a triple CD called 'Take Me back To Bendigo', composed of heritage songs and music from the Gold Rush to Federation. These Cd's show the multicultural heritage in Bendigo and include music and songs from the Koorie.. .. … and Welsh communities of Bendigo and district. Upon his recovery of costs Peter has handed over copyright to the Bendigo Community so future profits go back into the community. Three double CDs called 'The Merry Country Dance' with dances and tunes going back to the time of Governor Lachlan Macquarie's Ball in 1804. Most of the tracks are performed by the Emu Creek bush Band following much practice under Peter's tutelage. For further authenticity .. .. .. Tracks which were revived from almost 200 years ago and have now been recorded using the instruments of the time. There is an accompanying book which is set to become the 'Bible' for anyone interested in social dance in Australia. Other CDs include Bush Concert recordings (Volume 1 Goornong), Cooee, Songs of the ANZACs two- CD set in conjunction with the Bendigo Historial Society, 'Music of the Diggings' (four tracks by Peter or Emu Creek) and many more guest… ARTICLE CUT OFFperson, individual, peter ellis oam

A book titled ' The Life of John Bunyan. Author of The Pilgrim's Progress.' 'Immortal dreamer and writer of the most popular book, except the Bible, in the English language. Religious teacher and sufferer for conscience sake.' Published London: Ward, Lock & Co., Salisbury Square, E.C. 177 - 192 pgs. This booklet is one of a series of 53 Ward & Lock's Penny Books for the People.' Biographical Series.' Price one penny. 'Biographical Series.' There are also advertisements of note.books, biography, john bunyan, lydia chancellor, collection, male, individual, person, writer, ward & lock's penny books for the people, biographical series, penny books, book, books, literature, english literature, advertisements, pilgrim's progress

The South Bendigo Methodist Circuit consisted of churches at Golden Square, Kangaroo Flat, Speciman Hill and LockwoodA4 Programme produced by the Golden Square Methodist Church and the Pastorate of Golden Square, Kangaroo Flat, Specimen Hill and Lockwood Churches; contains prayers and bible readings and dedication of a wall plaque.religion, history, lydia chancellor collection

The Golden Square Methodist Church is situated at 2a Laurel St., Golden Square and was built in 1852. It no longer serves as a church and was sold in 2016.Golden Square Methodist Church 111th Anniversary notes on the guest minister and church history, daily bible readings and pulpit notices.religion, history, lydia chancellor collection, church

Bible Christian schools were Sunday schools that were operated primarily by the Methodist church but there is some evidence that the Salvation Army may also have played a part. A new schoolroom was built in 1884.A4 Sheet printed both sides of page, Bible Christian Sunday School Long Gully, Anniversary February, 12th, 13th, and 14th, 1893 - list the conductor Mr F Williams and the Organists Misses L M Vercoe and M Penreath. Morning, Afternoon and Evening Order of Prayers and Hyms. Printed by Bolton and Sons, Printers Bendigo.religion, lydia chancellor collection, history, church

Item 17. Boldt Family Bible. Large book with dark brown/black cover with pattern and a gold cross with leaves and flowers inside the cross, HIS in the centre. Edges of the pages are gold. Book printed Stuttgart 1892. Some family history written in the back.bendigo, clubs, bendigo heritage, german heritage society collection - boldt family bible, wilhelm august boldt, mr westacott, robert leonard thompson, albert edward boldt

There was a large influx of German miners to the Bendigo gold fields and they mainly focussed on deep quartz mining. German enclaves existed at Diamond Hill, New Chum Gully, Victoria Hill, Ironbark and in the Whipstick area. The first Lutheran Church was built in 1865 and there were also two German schools. Small bible with hard cover, possibly bakelite/plastic. The cover has an image of Jesus with and angel above each of his shoulders and plants at the bottom of the image. Pages of bible have gold edging. There is a metal clasp to lock. The back is plain and a creamy color.german, bible, religion

Belonged to Heinrich Wilhelm Klowss's mother Augusta Louie Gladigue. Book of Common Prayer.Leather bound prayer book, inscribed, in German. Gold cross on front. 1891Gerang-Buch, Mrs G Klowss, Natimuk Lake - written inside the front cover.natimuk, natimuk lake, german prayer book, augusta louise gladigau, arapiles, lutheran, heinrich wilhelm klowss, bible, germany, migration

Book with cover. Title page removed

Alick Gipps (1928-2014) was the son of Richard Brook Woodthorpe Gipps (1872-1946) and Mary Alys Kirkland (1889-1981), and the older brother of Christopher David Gipps (1930-52) and Rosemary Alison Gipps (1930-2013). While many scrapbooks of the period were created by, and or added to by their child owners, it is believed that "scrapbooks were considered by later Victorian parents to be an educational tool to teach children how to organise and classify information and to develop their ‘artistic’ senses" (Margaret Simpson, MAAS, 2008), and that the scrapbooks may have been compiled by the parent, rather than the child.The scrapbook is part of a large and significant collection of items donated by Rosemary Vaughan-Smith, past member and office-bearer of the Kew Historical Society. between 2005-12. The collection includes costumes, scrapbooks, autograph books, artworks and objects.Hard cover, 50-page album covered in red cloth and red leather corners and spine, the latter embossed with the words 'SCRAP BOOK' in gilt lettering. On the inside front cover, top left is an oval green label with retailer information - "WEDDING CHRISTENING / R. E. PENN. / Bible Warehouse / 213 REGENT St / BIRTHDAY PRESENTS". The paper used for the pages are in alternating blue, cream and green-coloured sections. The front pages of the scrapbook include the signature of the owner as Alick Kirkland [Goulburn] Gipps (1928-2014). Items pasted into the scrapbook include black and white and coloured illustrations, photographs, and extracts from books. Items selected for the scrapbook fill a single page or are arranged in groups. The oldest items in the scrapbook appear to date from 1859 and include a colour cover of the Illustrated London Almanack and pictorial handbills of electoral results for the seat of Holmesdale and Filmer in Kent, England. While other items in the book are of later periods, most can be classified as sentimental Victorian-era illustrations. The biblical scenes in the scrapbook reflect one aspect of the values of the Gipps family. The focus in the album on material about or published in Great Britain also suggests a preoccupation with, and a valuing of, traditional British culture. This is confirmed by the memberships of Alick and his sister Rosemary (Gipps) Vaughan-Smith in the English-Speaking Union Club, for which they welcomed guests at an 'Elizabethan party and barbecue' during the Coronation festivities of June 1953. (The Age, 3 June 1953, page 5). The album entered the collection of the Kew Historical Society as part of the Raymond and Rosemary (Gipps) Vaughan-Smith donation.manuscripts - kew historical society, rosemary vaughan-smith, vaughan-smith collection, alick kirkland goulburn gipps, scrapbooks - 20th century

The Kew Presbyterian Church was located in Cotham Road, Kew on the corner of Highbury Grove. The Church Hall was located next door in Highbury Grove. On amalgamating with the Uniting Church the buildings became redundant and are now the Kew Chinese Baptist Church.Original photograph from 1924 that records the preoccupations of committed church goers in Kew in th e1920s.Posed photograph of Reunion of Past and Present Members of Kew Presbyterian Young Men's Bible Class. The men are seated in 5 rows on a raised wooden floor. Wooden board hanging on the wall behind the men reads Presbyterian Church of Victoria. Possibly the church hall with stage curtains On front Reunion Past and Present Members of Kew Presbyterian Young Mens' Bible Class. 1924" On reverse "Reunion Some of the Past and Present Members Oct 1924. Unclear ?YMBC"kew presbyterian church, presbyterian churches - kew (vic), bible classes

The bible class met at "Overton" the residence of Stanley Chapman at 33 Pakington Street Kew, There is a photograph of Overton on the State Library of Victoria websiteA commemorative collection of oval photos with names below arranged around a central photo of S Chapman Esq. E. Mitchell, W. Gall, A. Tonkin,B Keene, ____ , W Waugh, W A Blake, F Walsh, G Lamble, F Loxton, A Scott, A T Glasson, G Vimpani, W Wood, A Halloway, W A Robinson Hon Sec., W McCagheen, P Shier, ____ , ______, H Lamble, K Pearson,_____ ,_____, Reverse: "Donated to Kew Historical Society by Miss Y Dalton" [1990]overton, stanley chapman, bible classes, kew methodist church

The Kew Presbyterian Church was located in Cotham Road, Kew on the corner of Highbury Grove. The Church Hall was located next door in Highbury Grove. On amalgamating with the Uniting Church the buildings became redundant and are now the Kew Chinese Baptist Church.Original photograph from the 1930s that records the kinds of social and spiritual actions of church goers in Kew. Group photograph of participants in a fancy dress social at the Kew Presbyterian Church Hall in 1922. It is believed that the group was the Young Men's Bible Class who held this event annually. The Society has photographs of the event in 1922 and 1925.Later hand: "Masked Fancy Dress Social, Kew Presbyterian Hall, November 1922"presbyterian church - kew (vic), kew presbyterian church - young men's bible class, churches - social activities - 1920s

The Kew Presbyterian Church was located in Cotham Road, Kew on the corner of Highbury Grove. The Church Hall was located next door in Highbury Grove. On amalgamating with the Uniting Church the buildings became redundant and are now the Kew Chinese Baptist Church.Original photograph from the 1930s that records the kinds of social and spiritual actions of church goers in Kew.Group photograph of young men in attendance at a fancy dress social at the Kew Presbyterian Church Hall in 1925. The photo would indicate that the event was a young men only event. The Society has photographs of the event in 1922 and 1925.Later hand: "1925. Annual Fancy Dress Social. Kew Presbyterian Young Men's Bible Class"presbyterian church - kew (vic), kew presbyterian church - young men's bible class, churches - social activities - 1920s

A family bible belonging to the Dakin family of Kew. Arthur Dakin who is listed in the front pages was a member of the Ross Sea Rescue Expedition. A collection of artefacts relating to Dakin is held in the Tasmanian Museum. There is also a trophy held in the Kew Historical Society collection.This bible has historical significance because of its association with Arthur Dakin of the Ross Sea Rescue Expedition.Bible owned by the Dakin family of Kew. The front pages list dates of birth of family members.Names and dates of births and deaths insidedakin

Black Covered Holy Bible. Dear Joyce from Grandma Aitkenstawell

Faded Black Cover Holy Bible Gladys Johnston Callawaddastawell

To Allan and Jean Hughes on the occasion of their marriage from the minister Gordon G Powell 3-5-47stawell religion

Richard G Glisson Christ Church Great Western from his teacher with love Charles F Beststawell religion

Identified as Dr. Roberta Donaldson of "Luxmee", 4 Windsor Crescent, Surrey Hills. Dr. Donaldson was in practice in Surrey Hills for 50 years. After graduating in medicine at Melbourne University she was at the Royal Childrens Hospital when she decided to go to India as a member of the Zenana (?) Medical Women's Bible Group. She spent three years there but became ill and had to return home. It took a year or more to recover her health. Her uncle Thomas Emerson of Kent Road, Surrey Hills, talked her into commencing a practice at Surrey Hills which she did in Blackburn Street early in the 1920s. Within a short time she took over Dr. Navroji (Neville) Gandevia's practice in Windsor Crescent. Her sister Agnes joined her and their mother Amelia took over the care of the household enabling both sisters to concentrate on their practices. Her father had been a doctor at Linton, near Skipton and her brother was a doctor in Skipton. The practice ceased in 1970, Dr Roberta having given 50 years of service as a gynaecologist in Surrey Hills.A black and white photograph of a lady wearing round wire rimmed glasses. Her dark hair is pulled back from her face. She is wearing a satin-look top and a string of pearls.windsor crescent, house names, surrey hills, doctors, royal children's hospital, kent road, blackburn street, 'luxmee', dr roberta donaldson, thomas emerson, dr agnes donaldson, dr navroji (neville) gandevia

This brief description of St. Stephen's Presbyterian church, Surrey Hills, on the corner of Canterbury and Warrigal Roads, Surrey Hills, dates back to 1887 when Surrey Hills was a settled emerging community. It documents the changes from then, including the land and buildings, their ministry, hymn books and bibles, church camps, mission work, PMWU, men's activities, outreach groups, multi-cultural groups until 2012.This brief description of St. Stephen's Presbyterian church, Surrey Hills, on the corner of Canterbury and Warrigal Roads, Surrey Hills, dates back to 1887 when Surrey Hills was a settled emerging community. It documents the changes from then, including the land and buildings, their ministry, hymn books and bibles, church camps, mission work, PMWU, men's activities, outreach groups, multi-cultural groups until 2012.(mr) j. k. blogg, 1887, surrey hills, (mr) (rev) john ewing, (mr) (rev) alexander mcdonald, (mr) (rev) frederick darling, surrey college, kleppers orchard, balmoral crescent, st. stephen's presbyterian church, uniting church, (mr) (rev.) david innes, (rev) w. howden, (mr) (rev) david bradshaw, churches, canterbury road, warrigal road

This capelet belonged to Ellen Grace Snowball, nee Anketell, (1866-1945), who lived with husband Oswald Robinson Snowball (1859-1928) at 'Wolsingham', 11 Boxshall Street, Brighton. Oswald Snowball was a solicitor and politician who was active in the Freemasons and the Orange Order. Active in Protestant moral crusades during the 1990s, he was a vocal opponent of liquor and gambling and advocated Bible reading in public schools. In 1909 he succeeded Sir Thomas Bent as Brighton's representative in the Victorian Legislative Assembly, a seat he held for close to twenty years until his death in 1928. During his last year of life, despite serious illness, he served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly under the Hogan government.White ostrich feather capelet. Feathers sewn onto crescent-shaped cream cotton fabric, with an elaborate silk tassel at either end.ellen grace snowball, ellen grace anketell, oswald snowball, capelet, ostrich feather, 1920s

This is a photograph taken from the painting by McCubbin of Lady Janet Clarke, a prominent Melbourne philanthropist who worked for social welfare issues and was a driving force in the early days of the Melbourne District Nursing Society. At the end of 1885 for her work with MDNS she was given a Testimonial Dinner where she was presented with a letter signed by 429 people expressing their thanks for her visits, kindness, sympathy and charity shown toward the sick poor. In 1887, at her home, she held the first function to raise money for the Society. Lady Janet Clarke was a generous and hospitable prominent socialite of Melbourne; a kind and sympathetic philanthropist who worked tirelessly for social welfare issues. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded on the 17th of February 1885 and on the 9th of April a Special General Meeting was held to elect the committee for the following twelve months. Lady Clarke was elected a Vice-president; a position she held until being appointed President, when Mrs. Simon resigned on the 7th of June 1887, a role Lady Clarke held until she became ill in 1908; except during her trips overseas, when the role was held by another until her return. Her management and organizational skills enabled MDNS to flourish in its earliest days. She was actively involved taking her turn on the Superintendent sub-committee where she accompanied a Trained nurse when she visited patients; checking that high quality nursing care was maintained, as well as observing the patient's social condition; even giving a personal donation to a special case in need. The patients of the Society were so grateful for her sympathy, kindness and love that when she and her husband, Sir William Clarke, were going overseas at the end of 1885, a Testimonial was given for her at Scots Church District-hall where 200 attended to show their appreciation of her work carried out with MDNS. She was presented with a Bible from them, and their letter signed by 429 working persons expressing their thanks. In a time of great financial need of the Society, Lady Clarke offered the ballroom at her home, 'Cliveden', for a monster Cake, Flower, and Dairy produce Fair which raised a substantial amount saving the Society from closure. She promoted the Society and led it in further fund-raising events, such as the annual Ball, and Fairs where she often manned cake stalls. Near Christmas each year she made a special appeal to the public for 'comfort and good cheer' which could be given to poor families visited by the Society. During the depression of 1890 she had thick soup prepared in the Cliveden kitchens and this was distributed, with bread, from her home, and from a school room, to hundreds of the poor. In 1892 Lady Clarke agreed to represent the Society during her visit to England. During her years of leadership MDNS expanded; Nurses uniforms were introduced; lectures - for example, on hygiene and on the prevention of sickness and the treatment of children, were given by doctors for the patients; further Trained nursing staff were employed; Midwifery was introduced to the poor, the Society extended beyond the city centre and bicycles were introduced for transport; a system for regular annual subscriptions was introduced and sufficient funds were raised for the Society to rent its own premises, with Lady Clarke paying for a subscription to Mullen's bookstore each year for the use of the Nurses in the Nurses Home. As well as her work for MDNS she held roles in many other organizations . She donated a substantial amount of money to build a Hostel for Women University Students attending Trinity College, later named the Janet Clarke Hall. Lady Janet Marion Clarke died at Cliveden, aged 57 years, on the 28th of April 1909; a lady held in high esteem and affection by all she knew.This is a black and white photograph of a painting of Lady Janet Clarke. She is looking forward and has a serious visage; she is wearing her long dark hair drawn up and back and in her left ear a small dropped ear ring can be seen. She is wearing a light coloured, long sleeved, floral frock with a material short cape section seen over the top of her left sleeve. Her left arm is crooked with her hand resting just under a flower brooch fastened in the centre of her frock. She has a choker around her neck with a brooch in the centre..Janet Lady Clarke, president 1889-1908.From the painting by McCubbin.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service, lady janet clarke

Board cover with pasted on illustration, blue cloth spine. Wear to extremities, particularly corners. Pencil scribbling in front cover, red pencil scribble inside back cover. Significant foxxing to title page but largely absent throughout. Illustrated. Fair-good conditionfictionBible Stories retold to children.bible stories

Board cover with pasted on colour picture, green cloth spine. Wear to extemities, red colour scribbling to front cover. Front hinge partially detached. Discolouration & minor of pages throughout. Eight pages of coloured pictures & twenty other B&W illustrations. 148pp. Fair-good condition.fictionBedtime picture books for children between six and twelve; articles, verses, bible stories.children, religion

Paper scrolls with Christian bible verses printed on them.religion, scripture, religious readings

The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars. This Christian bible belonged to Grace Hamilton-Smith (nee Ellwood). The inscriptions indicate it was owned and used while she was at boarding school in Melbourne in the 1930s. It was published by the London printer Eyre and Spottiswood, established in 1739.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of social and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.A black cloth bound Christian bible containing old and new testaments. On inner front page proper left upper corner in pencil: "Grace W Ellwood/"Braeside"/Bethonga./Victoria/Grace Ellwood/Morris Hall/Sth Yarra". On inner front paper proper left lower corner in pencil: "Grace Ellwood/Morris Hall/M.L.L. GLS/1925-6-7".bible, religion, christianity, hamilton-smith, ellwood, wodonga, school, jesus

Walter Withers (1854-1914) was born in Handsworth, Warwickshire, England. He migrated to Australia in 1882 and in time was to become one of the country's most famous painters. In 1887/8 he spent a year in London and Paris during which time he married Fanny Flinn. When he returned to Melbourne he was engaged by publishers doing black and white illustrations. In the late 1880's he became associated with artists who formed the renowned "Heidelberg School" and in 1890 moved to "Charterisville" at Eaglemont. He lived in the Heidelberg area until 1903 when he purchased a house on two and a half acres (one hectare) at the corner of Brougham and Bolton Streets, Eltham. He had long been attracted to the Eltham area, but needed access to Melbourne for his painting classes. The extension of the railway in 1901 made the move possible. He remained in Eltham until his death and is buried at nearby St Helena. Many of his important paintings were painted during these later years. There are important collections at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Geelong Art Gallery. His Eltham house remains and his name is honoured by a small park at the corner of Bible and Arthur Streets. Source: Information panel produced for Heritage Display exhibition by EDHS 1990.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg (duplicate of original)eltham local characters, pioneers and painters, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, walter withers, eltham, southernwood

Walter Withers (1854-1914) was born in Handsworth, Warwickshire, England. He migrated to Australia in 1882 and in time was to become one of the country's most famous painters. In 1887/8 he spent a year in London and Paris during which time he married Fanny Flinn. When he returned to Melbourne he was engaged by publishers doing black and white illustrations. In the late 1880's he became associated with artists who formed the renowned "Heidelberg School" and in 1890 moved to "Charterisville" at Eaglemont. He lived in the Heidelberg area until 1903 when he purchased a house on two and a half acres (one hectare) at the corner of Brougham and Bolton Streets, Eltham. He had long been attracted to the Eltham area, but needed access to Melbourne for his painting classes. The extension of the railway in 1901 made the move possible. He remained in Eltham until his death and is buried at nearby St Helena. Many of his important paintings were painted during these later years. There are important collections at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Geelong Art Gallery. His Eltham house remains and his name is honoured by a small park at the corner of Bible and Arthur Streets. Source: Information panel produced for EDHS exhibition in 1990.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg 120 format B&W negative B&W printsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, walter withers, artist

Built by artist and cartoonist Percy Leason in 1927 in what was then New Street but renamed Lavender Park Road in the late 1950s/early 1960s. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p121 Said to be a genius, cartoonist Percy Leason’s career was at its peak when in 1925 to 1926 he built his home at New Street (now Lavender Park Road) Eltham. The Herald newspaper owner, Sir Keith Murdoch, had hired Leason for his newly acquired Melbourne Punch magazine at a salary of £1750, making him ‘one of the highest paid cartoonists in the world’.1 With this salary and financial help from Murdoch, Leason was able to build his lovely home in Eltham. At the crest of a sweeping drive, the home now two-storey in white brick with a gabled grey slate roof and dormer windows is flanked by an extension built by another owner in the 1980s. Leason lived in the home with his wife, Isabel and children, until 1937, when he left for the United States of America, where he lived until his death in 1959. The four-bedroom house and garden would have been well-suited to bringing up his family and to entertaining their friends in style. Large airy rooms have high ceilings with moulded plaster, timber floors and several are brightened with bay windows. Leason made friends with many of the artists and personalities who gravitated to Eltham. Around 1931 Justus Jörgensen, founder of the Montsalvat Artists’ Colony, helped Leason build his large studio at the back of the house. Another friend was journalist Mervyn Skipper, father of jeweller and sculptor Matcham, and artists Helen and Sonia. Leason’s teacher, artist Max Meldrum, also visited and rented accommodation in Eltham, opposite Wingrove Park. Punch folded in 1925, but Leason continued as cartoonist for Table Talk. In 1926 Leason began the cartoons of a mythical Australian town Wiregrass, which were inspired by Kaniva, his home town. The art gallery in Main Road Eltham was named Wiregrass in Leason’s honour. Leason completed 1000 drawings from 1919 to 1937, which author Garrie Hutchinson claimed, were technically unsurpassed and had regional and universal interest. Leason’s acute observations of country life stemmed from his childhood in Kaniva in Victoria’s western Wimmera, where he was born, the son of a selector, in 1889. Meldrum claimed that Leason could name every plant and the habits of every animal.2 Leason also painted 28 portraits of the last full-blooded aboriginals in Victoria at Lake Tyers in Gippsland, most of which are in a private collection. In Sydney Leason illustrated Henry Lawson’s Selected Poems and worked for The Bulletin. Leason had begun his career at 13 as an apprentice lithographic artist at Sands and MacDougall. He attended night classes at the National Gallery and the Victorian Artists Society. Leason first visited Eltham in 1910 to paint with fellow artist William ‘Jock’ Frater. They camped near Bible and Pitt Streets and along the Diamond Creek on the site of the present Eltham Retirement Centre. Despite his success as a cartoonist, Leason wanted to be recognised as a serious painter and for his anthropological work.3 He was also conservative and felt uncomfortable with the modern art scene in Melbourne.4 So he left for the United States of America to work as a painter. Ironically his time in New York saw the burgeoning of modern art, notably by artists such as Jackson Pollock. But Leason found his niche by running an art school, painting society portraits and illustrating books and magazines.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, landscape, lavender park road, percy leason, new street