Touring Monsalvat

24 Jun 2014

On a very nice Autumn day, members of the Probus Club of Donvale Hill visited Monsalvat, the artist colony in Eltham, Victoria.

Montsalvat was established in 1934 by the artist Justus Jorgensen – “JJ” – and his many friends, mainly financed by his wife Lillian.

The very knowledgeable volunteer guide took the group around to see more than a dozen buildings on the 12-acre site, starting at the Barn Gallery, which had previously been destroyed by fire but has since been rebuilt.

Highlights included the extraordinary Long Gallery, the Chapel (which was never consecrated) and the magnificent Great Hall.

All of these buildings were designed (mainly by Jorgensen) and built by he and his friends, with materials available locally or sourced from demolitions and discarded items.

Many artists and artisans (jewellers, sculptors, instrument makers, etc.) still live in Montsalvat, where classes in various disciplines are offered throughout the year.

The buildings and surrounds are, today, mainly used for exhibitions, performances of various types, weddings and receptions.

A most enjoyable tour, exposing the Probus group to the artistic side of life and to the outcomes that can be achieved by cooperative efforts.