Hans-on experience

26 Oct 2022

Thirty-one members of the Unley Probus Club enjoyed a fantastic Probus outing to the Hans Heysen Cedars Gallery.

Hans Heysen was born in 1877 in Germany and came to Australia aged seven with his parents.

In 1912, Hans and Selma (Sally) purchased their home, the Cedars in Hahndorf.

By 1920 they had finished their renovations (it’s now deemed as a Federation Arts & Craft style home), where along with raising eight children, they also produced incredible Australian artworks.

They tutored students including daughter Nora, made a stunning garden and orchid on their 60 hectares of land, supported local trades, artists and nature, and entertained elite artists like Dame Nellie Melba.

They had a lot of fun, teas and dinners while making a good living selling art.

You could easily move in and feel the history surrounding you both inside and outside the house, and in Hans and Nora’s studios

In 1962, Lady Heysen died and six years later Sir Hans passed. Both are buried at Hahndorf.

Daughter Nora won the Archibald Prize in 1938, for a portrait of Madame Elink Schuurman, making her the first female to win the prize.

The Club then had a loud lunch at the German Inn at Hahndorf, with wonderful food and conversation.