Samantha Vawdry, (Heide’s Public Programs Co-ordinator), explained that the Museum of Modern Art at Heide comprises a public gallery, three exhibition spaces and a sculpture park and gardens with heritage overlay. The State Government funds 40% of the operating costs, and the remainder covered by admission charges.
The land was originally farmlands, which John and Sunday Reid purchased in 1934. In the past the land had been a significant area for the Wundjerri people, who made canoes from the bark of the Scar Tree.
Sunday wanted a French-style farmhouse and they extended and renovated the original building. John planted 400 trees, which were all lost when the Yarra River flooded. The Reid’s lived there from 1935 to 1981, when they died, 10 days apart.
The house had an orchard and kitchen garden, exotic tress such as elms and poplars and an oak tree, which John had to use dynamite to plant.
Roses and lavender surround the house, as well as box hedges in a formal Italian style; these no longer remain but are currently being refurbished to look as the place did in the 1950s, under the supervision of the National Trust.
They also grew ornamental oranges with poisonous fruit; which were surrounded by a violet walk.
The Reid’s befriended many artists and favoured modernist works.
Sunday Reid and Sydney Nolan were lovers for 10 years, but after their affair ended unhappily, he never returned there or spoke to them again. Sydney then went on to marry John’s sister Cynthia.
Sunday afternoons were ‘open house’, but when artists stayed, they were expected to help with the garden.
Sunday loved cats, and at one stage had 37 cats, including Siamese, which she bred.
Currently, the garden supplies some produce for the recently opened Cafe Vue, under the supervision of an experienced heritage gardener, who previously worked at Como and Rippon Lea.
New gardens are being constructed, referencing the history of Heide and the indigenous past.
Unfortunately, they have a problem with people stealing their plants, carving their names in pumpkins etc.
