The women of Montsalvat

Defying the cultural expectations of their day, it was the women of Montsalvat who helped to establish a more inclusive artistic community. The oldest continuous artistic colony in Australia, Montsalvat was established in 1934; a time when the Australian arts community was dominated by men.

Lily Jörgensen, one of Victoria’s first anaesthetists, financed the establishment of the colony.

Artists Sonia Skipper and Helen Lempriere carved stone and made bricks to create the structures for which Montsalvat is known. Artist and writer Sue Vanderkelen, coined the name ‘Montsalvat’, co-founded a women’s cooking and dining collective and created feasts for the working crews of builders and artists creating Montsalvat.

Accomplished artist Helen Skipper was the entrepreneur who kept the colony afloat during the difficult war years. She also managed the day-to-day activities, preparing canvases and managing the studio for her partner, Justus.

Lesley Sinclair ran the art school, while Myra Skipper, a talented jeweller and metalsmith, created moulds and cast bronze and silver for her husband, celebrated jeweller and sculptor Matcham Skipper.

Proposed location: Eltham, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung country

The women of Montsalvat, Victorian Women's Public Art Program

Image source: Montsalvat.

The Women's Public Art Program complements the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, which celebrates women's outstanding leadership and contributions to life in Victoria.

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