Open Heritage
Murtoa Stick Shed
Murtoa Stick Shed was open to the public on 2 October but is currently NOT open on a regular basis. Watch this space for future open days.
Boyd Open Day
The Robin Boyd Foundation held a public open day of privately owned houses on the Mornington Peninsula designed by Robin Boyd on Sunday 25 September.
Four houses designed by Robin Boyd were open, and all feature in the book ‘Living in Australia’ which could be described as Boyd’s design manifesto. ‘Living in Australia’ is one of the rare occasions where this acclaimed architect discusses his own work. Identifying four qualities that should motivate architecture – surface, space, structure and spirit – he then explains them using his own buildings as illustrations.
The four open houses included in ‘Living in Australia’ were all designed in the years immediately preceding the writing of the book.
The open day provided an opportunity to examine Boyd’s use of materials, spatial forms and approach to structural systems together with the unique manner in which he expressed the personality of the clients within their houses to create a ‘vision for living’ or spirit for each of the houses.
The open day was arranged in conjunction with ‘Robin Boyd on the Mornington Peninsula’ - an exhibition hosted by the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery until 3 October as a tribute to Boyd on the 40th anniversary of his death.
For more information see www.robinboyd.org.au or http://mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au/
New Museum
The Eucalyptus Distillery Museum in Grant St, Inglewood, about 200 km from Melbourne on the Calder Highway, was officially opened in July.
Eucalyptus oil was produced there in quantity, helping the former goldrush town survive. The Blue Mallee, locally known as 'Blue Eucy ', which produced an oil of exceptional quality, grows in abundance in the area.
Jones Brothers ran the distillery from the late 1800s until the late 1990s. Bought by Felton Grimwade and Bosistos, it was donated back to the people of Inglewood.
The Eucy Museum is open each Sunday from 1 – 4 pm. A trail through the old distillery brings to life the range of displays which includes historic artefacts, video and static displays. Bookings for schools and large groups can be made at other times by phoning 0457 633742. For further information see http://inglewood.vic.au/eucymuseum
Diary Dates
Watermarks, Water’s Heritage, 27-30 October 2011, Melbourne presented by the National Trusts of Australia and Australia ICOMOS. See www.aicomos.com/2011-watermarks
16th Engineering Heritage Australia Conference, 13 – 16 November 2011 at Wrest Point Conference Centre, Hobart, Tasmania. See www.cdesign.com.au/ehac2011