In the heart of Chatswood, a unique exhibition is about to take place at Art Space on The Concourse. “A Place to Call Home: Why Heritage Houses Matter” is a collection of watercolour portraits of homes by Marta Madison.
Madison is not just an artist. She’s an author, a public speaker, and a lover of fashion. Her artistic journey took a turn in 2021 when she began painting homes. Not just any homes, but those built in Federation Queen and Arts and Crafts styles in NSW and Victoria.
The inspiration came from a simple walk around her neighbourhood. Crows Nest, Willoughby, and Cammeray. These places are home to some of the most beautiful heritage houses. Madison believes these houses are more than just buildings. They’re gathering places, symbols of our past, and a reflection of our identity.
“Houses are important gathering places, giving us a secure sense of where we are today and where we have come from,” says Madison. “We need to preserve these homes.”
The tradition of painting homes, known as limning, has been around for centuries. It was a way for landowners to show their status. Madison is keeping this tradition alive. Her exhibition will feature 25 artworks, each one a detailed portrait of a heritage house.
“When settlers arrived in Australia from the UK, they brought this tradition and it became an important source of income for many early NSW colonial artists,” Madison explains.
“These houses, primarily built in the Federation and Queen Anne styles, also reflect the tastes and talents of the tradespeople and architects from Europe who arrived here in the 1800s.”
The exhibition will be held at Art Space on The Concourse from 24 April to 05 May 2024. It’s open from 11 am to 5 pm, Wednesday to Sunday. For more information, you can email Madison at marta@drawntofashion.com.au or visit the Willoughby City Council website and the Australian Heritage Festival NSW page.
“I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation of heritage houses within the community and start a dialogue on why these houses matter.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the beauty of heritage houses through the eyes of Marta Madison. It’s a journey into the past, a celebration of the present, and a glimpse into the future of our homes.
Published 22-February-2024