Enchanted Garden

5 Sep 2026 ‐

27 Sep 2026

10:00 am ‐ 4:00 pm

Free

‘Enchanted Garden’ is solo exhibition by Australian artist Paul Thirkell who combines both old and new printing techniques and styles to create images that conjure up imaginary places.

Paul’s drawings, paintings and limited-edition prints represent an intensive body of work created whilst he was working overseas and, more recently, in the Southern Highlands.

The work is inspired by a fascination with the history of mass publication and the evolution of the myriad of printed illustration styles that have served to visually inform our knowledge and understanding of the world.

“My images seek to examine the often unquestioned authority of the printed illustration to elicit the lyrical and poetic qualities that lie beneath”.

Through his broad expertise as a printmaker, Paul has sought to combine both old and new printing techniques and styles to weave images that frequently conjure up imaginary places, “where the world of yesterday appears collide with the world of tomorrow”.

Colour plays a significant role in Paul’s work, and the images frequently tip a hat to the colour harmony of artists such as Kandinsky and Klees, and to the bold, hypnotic hues of surrealist and pop artists.

All artworks will be for sale. A percentage of all sales goes towards supporting the work of the National Trust (NSW).

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Plan your visit

Retford Park

Address:

1325 Old South Road, Bowral NSW 2576

Open:

Wednesday to Sunday
10am – 4pm

House access is by guided tour only at set times: Wednesday- Friday 10.30am & 12:30pm, Saturday - Sunday 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm

Closed:

Good Friday, ANZAC Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Eve

Phone:
(02) 4861 1933
Email:
retfordpark@nationaltrust.com.au
Entry Fees:

Garden visit:
National Trust members - FREE
Adults - $17
Concession* - $15
Family - $49

House tour and garden visit (booking recommended):
National Trust members - FREE
Adults - $35
Concession* - $25
*Concession applies for full-time students, seniors, pensioners and children aged 5-15 years.

How to book your tickets
Book a ticket to Retford Park: House tour & garden visit.
Book a ticket to Retford Park: Garden visit only.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, however we recommend booking in advance to guarantee your spot as spaces are limited. Booking fees apply.
Terms and conditions of entry apply.

For group visits to Retford Park: Group visits.

What we offer:
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