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| Of course, May has my favourite flower on her doorstep |
Sydney, especially its north shore, was my stomping ground in the mid-1980s and early '90s. It was an incredible time of glamour and excess. I still have my diary from that time, and 30 nights of every month were pretty much filled with some fabulous event (yes, even February). Days were for work. Things were a wee spot busy.
Perhaps that's why I failed to visit May Gibbs' beautiful house in Neutral Bay--Nutcote. Sometimes we have bliss on our doorstep and we simply miss it, you know? I don't know why we do that to ourselves. Why do we do that?
I made up for things today.
Hubster and I drove to Nutcote early this morning, where I had three hours of happy. The gorgeous Stephanie greeted me and showed me around. The grounds are superb and of course the house--the house. I stood in wonder.
I touched May's drawing desk. And her writing desk. It was momentous. There may have been tears.
And I imagined her busy by the sweet little studio light dangling from the ceiling, as she often created at night. I saw hand-knitted socks made just for her. I swooped my hand in the sink with its wooden bench and imagined her washing dishes. I pictured her tending the hydrangeas outside the front door, and sitting on the balcony overlooking the Harbour Bridge, the city skyline, the bobbing boats ... and the ferries swooshing by.
The house is magnificent, and testament to May's progressive nature. The architecture is a blending of Georgian, Arts and Crafts and Mediterranean architecture (thank you, Edwina) and hosts many features that were unusual for the time (the house was designed and built in 1924/25 with architect BJ Waterhouse; read more about it here), such as built-in bookshelves and wardrobes, and a large main room that cleverly provided several living spaces.
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| image: Tania McCartney, image copyright: Nutcote |
Because the land block was small (or, rather, very steep with four 'terraces'--the house is built on one of them), May requested that the house have ‘compactness, convenience and charm', and this was certainly achieved. I peered out the windows--each one an oil painting, with views of Sydney Harbour. With several large windows in each room, May not only beckoned the sunlight, but also the beautiful plants and trees and water outside.
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| image: Tania McCartney, image copyright: Nutcote |
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| image: Tania McCartney |
The house is lovingly cared for, with exquisitely curated items that transport you to another time. There were many beautiful vistas, but the one I took of part of the kitchen shelves is my favourite:
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| image: Tania McCartney, image copyright: Nutcote |
You simply must go visit yourself, but to finish off, two images from May's studio--her drawing and writing desks. Just... heaven.
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| image: Tania McCartney, image copyright: Nutcote |
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| image: Tania McCartney, image copyright: Nutcote |
Nutcote was hosting a beautiful little exhibition of costumes from the film Ladies in Black, which was filmed at Nutcote, and directed by Bruce Beresford, no less. After my book reading (more below), I was gifted a DVD of the film. I am literally typing at 100wpm so I can publish this and go watch the film! (Thank you, Stephanie!).
My visit to Nutcote today was to celebrate the 142nd birthday of May. Called 'Scotty Day', Scottish terriers are invited (they can bring a human for free) to enjoy the lawns outside the café. Guests sipped tea on the grass, watched a film all about May, took mini tours of her house and enjoyed the divine gift shop (below). Can you even believe that pompom wattle--I am so making some!
I read Mamie on the lawns (to the Scotty dogs, too) and then signed books. Loved catching up with authors and illustrators Victoria Mackinlay and Gemma Patience and their beautiful kids, and loved meeting new people, too, including some MORE relatives of May (I meet them everywhere!) and Scotty dog owners/lovers (some from Canberra, too!). Huge thanks to the lovely Amelia for these photos.
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| Delighted to have an Auslan translator in attendance--never had my book hearing translated before! |
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| Just look at Thomas. Look at him! His lovely owner had a book signed to him |
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| Thomas the hovercraft |
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| A Victoria and Gemma sandwich |
Then, there was cake. Say no more. Okay--I'll say more. What more could you need? May Gibbs, Scotty dogs, gardens, books and cake--what else is there?
I signed a few books in the giftshop then Hubster and I made the trek home (below). My cookie got crushed--gasp! But no matter, Mamie will gobble it anyway.
Thank you, Nutcote team, for being so completely gorgeous and thank you for the incredible work you do. What a treasure trove of literary history and art and beauty you have in that magical spot on Sydney Harbour. I love your work and today was a complete dream.
Tx
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| My gumnut cookie got cracked :( But it's okay. Mamie ate it and loved it |
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