Historical information
The Eltham Cemetery Trust, established in 1858, selected the existing burial site at Mount Pleasant Road on high ground overlooking the village of Eltham. The first recorded burial took place in 1861 in the Church of England section. Headstones depict the names of many early and well known local families.
On Saturday 5th March 2016 Harry Gilham again lead members and visitors on a heritage excursion through parts of the cemetery, while providing background information on selected individuals buried there. Harry’s cemetery walks have always been popular, and members and visitors were encouraged to come along and experience the tranquil surroundings of this picturesque cemetery.
We were also able to view the recently installed sculpture titled ‘A Currawong Takes Flight’ by Michael Wilson located at the highest point of the fence-lined border between Montsalvat and the cemetery. It is close to the last bronze sculpture by Matcham Skipper, titled ‘Young Man Awakening’, commissioned by the Eltham Cemetery Trust to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the cemetery in 2008.
As an addition, we also met the artists and stonemason and given a brief background into the Trust’s newest art project installation titled “Our Eltham – Artistic Recollections” which will feature ceramic panels containing artwork with a local history theme. The work is the joint creation of artist Nerina Lascelles and ceramicist Linda Detoma, supported with stonework by Leigh Wykes and steelwork by Neil Carter, all skilled local Nillumbik artisans.
Physical description
19 images - born digital
