Saturday 3 December 2011

MONTSALVAT, ELTHAM

Montsalvat is an artist's colony in Eltham established in 1934, and home to over a dozen buildings set amongst richly established gardens. The site has a detailed history that reflects the life of founder Justus Jörgensen and his friends and family, while its buildings and gardens are stepped in the art and culture of Melbourne and its surroundings.

Architecturally Montsalvat has much in common with a simple French village in Provence, with a mix of rustic architectural styles.  Justus Jörgensen was an architect and as a former student of Max Meldrum had spent many happy hours painting around Eltham. In 1934 Jörgensen purchased land and with his friends and students commenced the buildings that became Montsalvat, 26kms from Melbourne.  A lot of materials came from the many beautiful buildings of Melbourne that were being demolished to make way for modernisation. The addition of mud bricks, rammed earth, the local mud stone , bush timbers, and a great deal of hard labour, Justus Jörgensen's vision took form.

Here is the swimming pool with the Great Hall behind it in the background. You can view more of my photos of Montsalvat here.

This post is part of the Weekend Reflections meme.

16 comments:

  1. What a delightful looking place! I would love to visit there -- of course, I would love to visit Australia!! I love your capture and such beautiful reflections for the day! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

    Sylvia

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  2. So brilliant looking, it's almost like a poster for the benefits of recycling!! Look forward to seeing more!!

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  3. A mix of styles but works beautifully. I would like to visit this place, I am very interested in those 19th century Aussie painting schools.

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  4. Great reflections. Great place.

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  5. This place has such wonderful atmosphere! I have been there several times, but it always seems to be on a dull day! The particular area in this photo is very atmospheric! Beautiful perspective!

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  6. thanks for providing the historical background of this - it's fascinating. I love the irregular cornerstones and the doorway blocks. His perseverance in realizing a dream was manifested in this magical place. great reflection shot! happy weekend to you.

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  7. A wonderful ambiance to this place.

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  8. gorgeous
    when i visited, there was no water in the pool
    it certainly adds to the ambience

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  9. Really, I could not imagine this was in Australia!!I'm french, and I see France!

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  10. Agree, it could be anywhere, what a beautiful welcoming place.

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  11. What an amazing place! I want to go there!

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  12. What a beautiful place! Perfect lighting and reflections on the pool!

    Another side of Australia I have not seen (in photos)

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  13. This is quite amazing! Love the ambiance of the place and the photograh has captured it perfectly!

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  14. It really does look like France!

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  15. Didn't know anything about this place. Looks like a lovely place to visit. Love the capture.

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