Montsalvat, the artists' colony in Eltham was established by the architect and artist Justus Jorgensen in 1934.
It is home to over a dozen buildings, built from local stone, recycled timbers and rammed earth and set amongst gardens on over four hectares of land.
It has a detailed history reflecting the lives of many people, not only Jorgensen and his family, but many artists, intellectuals, tradespeople and artisans who have been drawn to it over time.
Following a successful application to the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program, Montsalvat has launched the Women of Montsalvat project aiming to uncover the untold stories of the women who contributed to the construction, arts practice, and culture of the artist community. The stories uncovered will ultimately contribute to the creation of a sculpture to sit at the entrance of Montsalvat in celebration of its founding women artists.
Some stories of these women and others can be found in the local history collection at Eltham library.
Creative women
Betty Roland (1903-1996) was a writer of plays, screenplays, novels, children’s books and comics. She wrote part of her autobiography The Eye of the beholder, about her time there.
Helen Lempriere (1907-1991) was a painter, sculptor and printmaker. She received tuition under Justus Jorgensen
Helen George (1907-1983) was a commercial photographer known for her industrial, fashion and outback photography, and a designer and painter.
Montsalvat is unearthing the stories of these and other founding women. They were painters, builders, jewelers, ceramicists, weavers, singers, stone carvers, printmakers, photographers, writers, models, cooks and entrepreneurs. Above all, they were women who looked for a way to live creatively on their own terms, in a time that made such a choice nearly impossible.
Montsalvat is inviting people with any information about these women to a special story gathering event to collect historical facts, stories, memories and anecdotes.
If you knew or have a connection to the women who were fundamental to the founding and development of Montsalvat, predominantly between 1934 and 1960, you are invited to attend a free event.
In person:
Friday 9 May, 6.00pm–7.30pm at Montsalvat
Please bring any artworks, photographs or historical documents you would like to share.
Bookings essential
Online:
Saturday 10 May, 7.00pm–8.15pm
Bookings essential
Further information, including profiles of Montsalvat women and other ways to contribute to the Women of Montsalvat Project can be found on their website.
Enjoy inspiring Australian Women's Stories on our Library shelves that shine a light on their achievements and accomplishments.