Cedars Gallery

Sir Hans Heysen was never short of inspiration. From the window of his studio at the Heysen property known as The Cedars every view was simply another piece wanting to be painted.

"This is what we call the sacred spot, these footmarks, this is where he stood while painting".

Inside Sir Hans' studio, everything is pretty much as it was when he worked here. In fact, two unfinished works sit by the window, just as he left them prior to his death in 1968. Heysen arrived in Australia from Hamburg Germany as a six year old, and immediately fell in love with the strangeness of the Australian bush, especially his beloved Adelaide Hills. And his love affair with Australian nature was to become ours, even if some were not so willing to reciprocate.

"The Victorian Gallery had earmarked it for purchase but they changed their minds because of Heysen's German background. He never forgot that it left an indelible mark on him".

And his work has left an indelible mark on all of us, as Australians began to see their landscape as truly unique and beautiful.

"This one's called The Way Home. It's Hahndorf in 1908. Heysen actually lived in this little lane in Hahndorf called Billy Goat Lane. It's now called English Street. They should rename it Billy Goat Lane. He lived in her, in the village for four years before they moved to The Cedars".

"The cottage on the right belonged to this particular chap. This is the famous old man Collins, who was Heysen's favourite model. Heysen used to pay him a shilling or bob to walk down the road or sit under a tree and he became quite a village celebrity because he was Heysen's model".

By 1912, Heysen had moved up the road to The Cedars, and it's not hard to see why. The Cedars is still owned by the Heysen family who've now installed a series of panels along what's called the Artist's Walk. And as you cover the property by foot, you realise that much of Sir Hans Heysen's inspiration literally came from his own backyard. Like this spot known as The Shady Pool.

Heysen was also one of the first artists to capture the rugged beauty of inland Australia. His trusty "A" Model Ford and van sit in The Cedars shed, a reminder of the trips which he started way back in 1927, venturing into the Flinders Ranges. But when back home, he often ventured into this rambling rural patch of colour, which also made it's way onto canvas. During a visit to The Cedars, this Heysen piece so captivated the great Russian ballerina Madam Pavlova, that she simply had to have it and wrote out a blank cheque.

It's just one of many fascinating stories from Allan Campbell who conducts regular hour-long tours of property. They cost $7 for adults and run everyday except Saturday. You can also email info@postcards.sa.com.au