The World Health Organisation has declared the COVID-19 virus a pandemic that risks the health, safety and wellbeing of the most vulnerable people in our community. We take this risk very seriously, so the National Trust has closed Norman Lindsay Gallery until 30 June 2020.
A controversial artist and author in his time, Norman Lindsay’s home now serves as a gallery of his many works. His paintings adorn the walls and his sculptures can be found in the beautiful gardens, including characters from the children’s classic “The Magic Pudding”.
Norman Lindsay (1879-1969), artist, cartoonist, and writer, came from a family that produced five artists. Lindsay left home when he was sixteen to live with his brother in Melbourne. In 1901 he moved north to make his permanent home in the Blue Mountains, working for the Bulletin in an association that lasted almost to his death.
His first novel was published in 1913, and by the 1920s he was both proficient and prolific in pen and ink drawing, etching, woodcuts, watercolours and sculpture. Lindsay rejected Christianity, and his art depicts Bohemianism and Arcadian pantheism madly admixed in a fantasy world.
As early as 1904 his work was deemed blasphemous; in 1930 his novel Redheap was banned and the following year the police proceeded against an issue of Art and Australia that showcased his art. There were many critics of Lindsay’s work but he remained popular with collectors, and Albert, the loyal but cranky character The Magic Pudding from his classic children’s book (1918) is still just as popular with today’s younger generation.
The Norman Lindsay Gallery is available by special arrangement for weddings or other functions. Wonderful photo opportunities and landscaped grounds provide a unique venue and marquees can be hired for larger receptions.
