For the past 12 years, a heritage house located in a small country town has been at the centre of an art project started by Lyndal Jones.
Jones, a well-known Australian artist, said she purchased the Watford House in Avoca with the intention of making it into a creative venture.
Also known as “the Swiss House”, it was imported as numbered planks from Scandinavia in 1852 during the Victorian goldrush.
Jones said that although the house was declared “beyond repair” when she brought it, she had spent years restoring the once-derelict building.
In the past decade, Jones has invited artists from around the world to create artworks and shows at the house, mostly centred around ecology.
Jones said that parts of the house would soon arrive in Werribee for an exhibition to be held at the Wyndham Art Gallery.
From August 30 to October 29, gallery visitors will be able to view Watford in Werribee, which will also include flower-arranging by women from Avoca.
“People will be able to bring feelings about home, housing, new world and old world,” Jones said. “It’s understanding that the world around us changes us, as much as we change it.”
The exhibition opening will be held on Wednesday, August 30, from 6.30-8.30pm at the Wyndham Art Gallery, 177 Watton Street, Werribee. Another exhibition,
Treated and Reiterated by Wani and Anindita Bannerjee will be launched on the same night. Details: wyncc.com.au or call 8734 6021
