REFLECT
Every Dog has its Day BY LISA SIBERRY, CONTENT SPECIALIST AT THE NATIONAL TRUST
In celebration of International Dog Day on 26 August, we look back on the fascinating history of Retford Park and its dog-loving owner James Fairfax. Hidden in the gardens of the Southern Highlands landmark, Retford Park, is a small cemetery dotted with headstones. Visitors often stop to read the names and ages of the deceased: Paloma, Juno, Apollo – all younger than 15 when they died. Children? No, the local guides are quick to assure visitors. This is the burial ground of James Fairfax’s much-beloved dogs. James Oswald Fairfax AC, the great-great-grandson of newspaper proprietor John Fairfax, was a generous philanthropist and art collector with a lifelong passion for animals. He bought Retford Park in 1964 for £15,000 and transformed it from an agricultural homestead into a gentleman’s residence that reflected his own refined tastes. A canine connection There’s an uncanny presence of dogs throughout the property. As well as the pet cemetery, there are two marble dog statues standing guard at the front door, a portrait in the hall of Fairfax with his first Chihuahua named Francie, and an impressive 2.5 metre painting by John Wonnacott that hangs in the stairwell depicting Fairfax with his two black Labrador Retrievers.
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John and Sharon Mulholland, House Managers at Retford Park from 1986 to 2017, say all these personal touches reflect Fairfax’s deep bond with dogs. “James grew up with pets and was an animal lover through and through,” says Sharon. “He would save ants from water, move spiders out of harm’s way, support causes and spoil his dogs unashamedly. He loved them to be near him whenever possible.” Fairfax died in 2017 at the age of 83, and throughout his life, it’s believed he owned over 13 dogs, including a Chihuahua, Labradors and German Shorthaired Pointers. Later in life, a family member gave Fairfax a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Paloma, and this would be the start of many Greek god inspired ‘Ridgies’ to enjoy life on the estate. There was Juno (goddess of women and childbirth), Apollo (god of archery, music and dance), Iris (goddess of the rainbow) and sister Selene (goddess of the moon). Sadly, Iris died just six months after Fairfax passed away; however, Selene continues to live at Retford Park – the last of Fairfax’s dogs to be seen curled up on a favourite lounge in the grounds.
National Trust (NSW)
