WINTER 2019
HISTORIC HOUSES ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
EVENTS
TOURS
TALKS
WALKS
Historic Houses Association of Australia Ltd 1A Carthona Ave, Darling Point, NSW, 2027 www.hha.net.au
02 9252 5554
Front Cover Image: Combewood, Penrith
ABOUT HHA The Historic Houses Association of Australia Ltd. (HHA) is a registered charity and volunteer organisation that supports owners and promotes public interest in historic houses and properties throughout Australia.
HOW TO BOOK Booking for HHA events is essential. Tickets can be booked online through our website: www.hha.net.au/events or you can book over the phone on 02 9252 5554.
BECOME A MEMBER As a member of HHA you are helping to shape the future of the built heritage of Australia. It can also save you up to 25% on our program of events. Find out more on our website and follow us on social media. www.hha.net.au
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FROM THE CHAIR Welcome to the winter edition of our newsletter. As you see we have another diverse range of activities, events and news. Recently I returned from escorting the HHA's 'Sicily Through the Ages' tour where we saw incredible houses, amazing collections and a great number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Every historic house we visited had its own unique challenges but the thing that unites every owner around the world is waking up each morning and wondering 'what comes next'. We saw some very innovative methods of making these
properties sustainable, a subject that warrants discussion at a State and Federal level. It is also heartening to experience the recognition that some governments are now giving historic houses as heritage tourism becomes such an important part of the regional development of these countries. As the HHA continues its work in education and recognition of our built heritage, we hope that our governments will see the same opportunity. Kind regards, Tim Duddy
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER Welcome to a bumper issue of talks, tours and open houses from HHA this quarter. Special events coming up are the Adelaide Regional Tour from 19 - 22 September and the Living Heritage Festival on 4 August. We're delighted to be curating the Living Heritage Festival at Tempe House. We have a fantastic range of speakers lined up to delve into the history, heritage and landscape setting of the precinct. These include Dr Stephen Gapps covering Aboriginal residence on the Cooks River; colonial costume expert Hilary
Davidson and author Sarah Goldman on Caroline Chisholm. Willie the Boatman Brewery will be on site with other wonderful food and market stalls. Pop-up presentations and a 'most fabulous ruffs of the 1830s' competition make this an exciting heritage event. We are looking for volunteers to assist us on the day, so please get in touch if you would like to be a part of this keynote event on the HHA calendar. With thanks, Dr Bernadette Flynn
DAY TOUR Four Sites in Historic Parramatta with Judith Dunn OAM Sunday 11 August 10.00am - 3.00pm
Join our tour with expert guide Judith Dunn OAM. Starting with morning tea at Lake Parramatta Reserve we continue to the Female Factory for stories of the lifestyle of convict women. Hear of the many uses of the Governor’s Domain as we wend our way to a light lunch at Lachlan’s restaurant in the Old Government House complex, the oldest public building in Australia. Tour delightful Elizabeth Farm, the oldest domestic dwelling in Australia, and the Female Orphan School for stories of the convict women’s children. Four sites to visit, each remarkable for its importance to history and heritage. Full commentary at each site and during coach travel. Ticket Cost: $105 (HHA Members receive 10% discount)
DAY TOUR Discover Bar Island Saturday 31 August, 10.45am - 2.15pm
Come on board for a tour of Bar Island and enjoy a morning tea as we cruise along the Hawkesbury River to the confluence of Marramarra and Berowra Creeks. Step ashore with local guides to learn how Bar Island was a focal point for the local communities who gathered to worship at St John’s Church during the 1880s, and whose children later attended the school. Remains of an Aboriginal shell midden indicate long term usage by Dharug and Darkinjung people, and marked gravestones reveal the names of local Pioneer settler families buried on the island. On the summit of the island hear the story of drowned instructors from the Outward Bound Camp at Fisherman’s Point and enjoy the panoramic views of the river. Back on board, a Ploughman’'s lunch is served as we motor back to Brooklyn. Ticket Cost: $95 (HHA Members receive 10% discount)
LIVING HERITAGE FESTIVAL Tempe House, Wolli Creek - General Entry Sunday 4 August, 10.00am - 4.00pm
The Historic Houses Association is delighted to present the Living Heritage Festival - a celebration of the forgotten crafts of the past and the heritage skills of the tomorrow. Traditional trade skills on display include heritage stonework, plasterwork, stenciling and wood graining techniques. There will be an exhibition of rare colonial fashion gowns and demonstrations by a range of craft artisans. Enjoy pop-up tours from local historians and chat to the experts about native bee keeping, heritage sustainability and learn about how life was lived on the banks of the Cooks River. There will also be an exciting range of market and food stalls. General Entry Ticket Cost: $10 (HHA Members receive 10% discount)
LIVING HERITAGE FESTIVAL Tempe House, Wolli Creek - Workshops Sunday 4 August, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Book a two hour workshop and learn some practical new skills. No experience with weaving is necessary to 'Upcycle A Basket' with Sally Blackwell, and you will go home with an upcycled basket of your own creation. Conservator Robert Griffin provides practical advice and demonstrates methods to 'Care For Your Antiques' or you can learn what the experts look for as Hannah Clayton Atkin gives a 'Crash Course In Antiques Valuation'. Jane Britten is also here to help you 'Research The History Of Your House' and guide you on your own investigation using local government records, commercial directories and newspapers. Workshop Ticket Cost: $80 (HHA Members receive 10% discount)
LIVING HERITAGE FESTIVAL Tempe House, Wolli Creek - Talks Sunday 4 August, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Historians, writers and community activists have been brought together to discuss and delve into the layered histories of the Tempe House site, landscape and the river environment. Speakers include: historian and curator Dr Stephen Gapps; Emeritus Professor of History Ian Tyrrell; landscape heritage consultant Colleen Morris; author Sarah Goldman; dress historian Hilary Davidson; and the President of the Australian Historical Sailing Skiff Association Ian Smith. Each session of three speakers focuses on a specific theme ranging from histories of place, architecture and social life to popular expressions of history and questions of identity. Talk Ticket Cost: $45 per session (HHA Members receive 10% discount)
OPEN HOUSE Welch House, St Ives Sunday 21 July 10.00am - 12.00pm
Designed in 1962, Welch House is one of the finest and most intact examples of MidCentury Modern residential architecture. The house has never been published, photographed or opened to view. From the street, there is little expectation of what lies beyond. The floating roof planes and the monumental stone chimney speak of Neville Gruzman and Bruce Rickard. The interior detailing is perhaps what one may dare to dream of in the grand Eastern Suburbs houses of Douglas Snelling. However, none of these architects can claim Welch House amongst their designs. Join us to discover an architect whose quiet dedication to design has created a legacy that sixty years later can be appreciated for the first time. Ticket Cost: $45 (HHA Members receive 22% discount)
OPEN HOUSE Trades Hall, Sydney Saturday 17 August 10.00am - 12.00pm
Neale Towart, Trades Hall Heritage Officer and Librarian, leads a behind-thescenes exploration of this architecturally significant heritage property and museum. Hear about the many progressive movements, such as the Union of Australian Women; Australian People for Health, Education and Development Abroad (APHEDA); and the May Day Committee hosted there and see Australia’s largest collection of trade union banners. Learn about the conservation and adaptive re-use in 2003 and the reinterpretation of the heritage collections. Ticket Cost: $45 (HHA Members receive 22% discount)
OPEN HOUSE Combewood, Penrith Sunday 15 September 10.00am - 12.00pm
Built in 1890 for Francis Henry Woodriff, this fine example of a Queen Anne style house has been privately owned by eight generations of the original owner. Join the owners for a tour and hear about the social history of Combewood, which exemplifies the lifestyle typical of wealthy families in the region. After the house tour, the Nepean Archeology Society will lead guests around the museum and extensive historical collection located in the former stables. Enjoy morning tea in the gardens where you are free to explore the remnants of an orchard and old stables. Ticket Cost: $45 (HHA Members receive 22% discount)
WALKS Uncovering the Greenwich Peninsula Saturday 13 July 10.15am - 12.15pm
Greenwich began developing in the Nineteenth Century as a maritime village with waterfront industry. Now a desirable mix of 19th to mid-20th century housing, it has been home to writers, artists and film stars. Join Graham Spindler to discover this lesser known part of the Sydney riverfront. Ticket Cost: $45 (HHA Members receive 22% discount)
Historical Gems of Enmore Saturday 27 July 10.00am - 12.00pm
Enmore is often dismissed as simply a road route between Newtown & Marrickville. A walk around the 'village' with Chrys Meader will change this view as the streets are architecturally interesting & vibrant. The walk will end with a half hour tour of the legendary Enmore Theatre (1910 - ). Ticket Cost: $45 (HHA Members receive 22% discount)
WALKS Macquarie St - Decadence and Decorum Saturday 24 August 10.00am - 12.00pm
Janet Morice and Andrew Starr investigate behaviour during the first decades of settlement, by those in authority and those with none. From Macquarie Place to the Garden Palace, hear the fascinating stories of the men and women who lived and worked in these iconic buildings. Ticket Cost: $45 (HHA Members receive 22% discount)
THE ROCKS — Rediscovering Relics & Rascals Saturday 7 September 10.00am 12.00pm
On this tour with Max Burns-McRuvie we'll reimagine Circular Quay & The Rocks as 'tourists’ arriving for the 1879 International Exhibition. We'll seek out the relics that survive and fill in the quirks and characters that early guide books chose to leave out. Ticket Cost: $45 (HHA Members receive 22% discount)
WALKS Chowder Bay — Hidden History on the Harbour Saturday 28 September 10.00am 12.00pm
The history of Chowder Bay could be described as one long Sydney picnic, but that would only be skimming the surface. Beneath the still blue waters lies a stranger story, a tale of changing tides, of mysterious military operations, waterfront dancing pavilions and drunken larrikin riots. On this tour, join social historian and speaker Max Burns-McRuvie to explore the hidden past of ‘Chowder’ and bring to life its unique place in Sydney’'s harbour-side history. From Aboriginal walking tracks and American whaling stations, to its notorious Pleasure Grounds and secretive Sub-marine Mining Corps — this tour will reveal that there's much more to this maritime reserve than the pretty view that remains today. Ticket Cost: $45 (HHA Members receive 22% discount)
TALKS Coffee Conversation: the Edge of the City Tuesday 2 July 10.30am - 12.00pm
Using historical maps, street plans and colonial paintings, Davina Jackson (writer, editor and curator) traces the colourful history of the Port Jackson docks between Campbells Cove and Moore's Wharf on the eastern shore of Barangaroo Park. Held at History House, 133 Macquarie St, Sydney. Ticket Cost: $20 (HHA Members receive 25% discount)
Coffee Conversation: Houses of the Cooper Estate Tuesday 6 August 10.30am - 12.00pm
When the municipality of Woollahra was proclaimed in 1860, the 1,320-acre Cooper estate made up over half the area. Join Local History Librarian Jane Britten to hear about notable colonials living in landmark houses on the estate. Held at History House, 133 Macquarie St, Sydney. Ticket Cost: $20 (HHA Members receive 25% discount)
TALKS Paddington: A History - The Terrace House Wednesday 14 August 5.30pm - 7.00pm
Robert Griffin and Robert Brown are contributors to the recently published award-winning book ‘Paddington: A History' and co-authored an essay on ‘The Victorian Suburb’. The authors will trace the history of the terrace house and its architectural contribution to Paddington. With one of the largest and most intact concentrations of Victorian-era housing in the world, we learn about the earliest developments to the latest contemporary examples. Drawings and illustrations designed by Robert Brown will be highlighted. ‘Paddington: A History’ received an RAHS Cultural grant. This talk is held in partnership with the Royal Australian Historical Society at History House, Macquarie Street. Ticket Cost: $35 General, $25 for HHA/RAHS Members
TALKS Coffee Conversation: Chinese Market Gardens Tuesday 3 September 10.30am 12.00pm
Most Chinese Australian families of more than three generations have a market garden component in their family histories. They have been a feature of Chinese settlement in Australia since post gold rush times, providing fresh food for an expanding urban population. But as the cities grew, they were replaced by residential and other urban forms of land use. In this talk by Daphne Lowe Kelley, reference will be made to the heritage listed Chinese market gardens in La Perouse and the battle for their continuing existence. Daphne served as president of the Chinese Heritage Association of Australia from 20032013 and is the current president of the Chinese Australian Historical Society. Held at History House, 133 Macquarie St, Sydney. Ticket Cost: $20 (HHA Members receive 25% discount)
REGIONAL TOUR Adelaide & Surrounds Thursday 19 - Sunday 22 September 2019
Our four day tour will explore the history and heritage of the remarkable city of Adelaide and visit some of the beautiful houses and gardens of the Barossa and Clare Valley and the surrounding areas. Highlights include a cocktail welcome at Ayers House (1860s) and a visit to the unique collection of Fermoy House, the former home of David Roche. We will see an extraordinary range of houses and homesteads including Collingrove, Bungaree Station, Martindale Hall and Anlaby Station. We will also have time to visit a colonial era vineyard, the gardens of Carrick Hill and see the restoration work in progress at Marble Hill. Cost: $1590 per person twin share (excluding flights)
INTERNATIONAL English Arts and Crafts Houses, Gardens and Collections Friday 19 June – Monday 6 July 2020
18 day fully escorted tour led by Dr James Broadbent AM. Our tour encompasses the work of the Movement’s major designers – including William Morris, Philip Webb, C.F.A. Voysey, Charles Robert Ashbee, Detmar Blow, Gertrude Jekyll, Edwin Lutyens, Ernest Gimson and the Barnsley brothers – visiting major examples of their work in the Home Counties, the West Country and the Cotswolds. As with all the HHA study tours there are also visits to many important but smaller and more unusual places and to houses, gardens and collations not normally open to the public. Ticket Cost: $12,841 per person twin share (excluding flights)
PROPERTY NETWORK Introducing Our Latest Property Members Leuralla - Leura, NSW
Leuralla is one of the oldest Blue Mountains heritage listed homes set within 12 acres of temperate gardens. Displayed in its original state, including original paint finishes, furnishings, fixtures and fittings. It also contains the Southern Hemisphere's largest collection of toys, trains and associated memorabilia. www.toyandrailwaymuseum.com.au Terragong - Jamberoo, NSW
Terragong House was built in 1858 as a 'gentleman's country residence' and is a wonderful example of Georgian Colonial architecture. Now beautifully restored and opened as a Bed & Breakfast. HHA Members receive a 10% discount on the usual room rate for stays of 2 nights or more. www.terragong.com
Š Craig Powell
PROPERTY NETWORK Join The Property Network - New Pricing Private owners, renovators, visitor attractions and holiday accommodation join our network of historic houses for only $50. Develop connections and promote your property on a national platform. Our 30 year history has seen the HHA brand profile become increasingly compelling and more consistent, and we firmly believe in the strength of our USP (unique selling point) as an educator, authority figure and heritage ambassador. As a member of the Property Network, HHA will endeavour to support you as custodians by offering opportunities to share knowledge, develop connections, promote your property/activities and act as a representative for your interests. www.hha.net.au/property-registration
PROPERTY NETWORK Join The Property Network - Categories To ensure that, as a Property Network member, you receive the right support from us the membership has been divided in to three categories. LEARNING - You wish to share information about, and bring recognition to, your heritage house. You are not open to the public. We will require: research on the history of your property for publication on the HHA website. VISITING - Your property is a visitor attraction that welcomes members of the public. You wish to promote your business through HHA channels. We will require: free or discounted entry or equivalent benefit for our members. STAYING - You are the owner of a historic property that operates as holiday accommodation. You wish to promote your business through HHA channels. We will require: discounted rates or equivalent benefit for our members. More information and an application form is available on the website: www.hha.net.au/property-registration
DIARY DATES WINTER 2019
July
August
September
Talk: Davina Jackson
4
Living Heritage Festival
3
Talk: Daphne Lowe Kelley
13
Walk: Greenwich
6
Talk: Jane Britten
7
Walk: The Rocks
21
Open House: Welch House
11
Tour: Parramatta
Walk: Enmore
14
2
27
17
15
Open House: Combewood
19
Regional Tour: Adelaide
Talk: Paddington Open House: Trades Hall
24
Walk: Maquarie Street
31
Tour: Bar Island
-22 28
Walk: Chowder Bay
Historic Houses Association of Australia Ltd 1A Carthona Ave, Darling Point, NSW, 2027 www.hha.net.au
02 9252 5554