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THE CEDARS - Hans Heysen
The Cedars at Hahndorf, Sir Hans Heysen’s home and studio ranks as one of South Australia’s best cultural heritage treasures. Whilst Heysen is best remembered for immortalising the majestic gum trees bathed in soft mellow light of early morning or late afternoon, he also chronicled Hahndorf’s German settlers at the turn of the century, leaving a snapshot in time of a bygone era.
Heysen was one of the most versatile artists in Australia, working in many mediums over a broad range of subjects, including still life, and portraiture. He was a skilled draughtsman and sketcher – a true craftsman.
His Bavarian style studio remains largely as he left it, thirty-one years ago. Heysen’s unfinished landscape shows meticulous attention to scale and detail. The studio’s huge frosted glass windows diffuse the light to achieve a soft mellow illumination. Heysen worked here for fifty-five years.
The Cedars homestead has a grace and style reminiscent of days when society and the famous were entertained here. The collection of Heysen’s work hanging on the walls complements the fine collection of antique furniture, Persian carpets and Oriental artefacts. It was also a warm family home and a tribute to the partnership of Hans and Sallie Heysen.
Daughter Nora Heysen was a fine artist in her own right. Nora’s Studio displays her flowers and fine portraits done in the field during the Second World War. Nora Heysen was the first woman war artist appointed. She was also the first woman and youngest artist to win the Archibald prize in 1938.
Open 6 days 10-4 (closed Mon, except pub holidays) Guided tours at 11am, 1.30 & 3pm Sept to May and 11am and 2pm June to Aug
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