Three weeks over the month of November, a past prominent name of the media industry will have the doors to their previous house open to the public.
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The former house of James Fairfax AC in Retford Park will open its doors this month.
Highlanders can experience the Retford Park house as apart of the launch of program events titled, The Art of Giving.
These events are to celebrate Mr Fairfax’s dedication to philanthropy and the arts.
The Art of Giving provides visitors with a unique opportunity to visit the grand Victorian Italianate homestead, the gardens and see the grounds of Retford Park.
Daytime tours will be held from November 11 to November 30. These tours run from 11am to 1pm.
Reproductions of artworks from John Olsen, Charles Blackman, Tony Tuckson, Fred Williams and Russell Drysdale will be on display where the originals (donated by Fairfax to the National Gallery of Australia) once hung.
Nineteen life-size reproductions of these Australian paintings will be available for viewing.
Day time tour prices are, adults $35, concession $30, children $15 and National Trust members $28.
Sunset tours begin November 14 and run until November 29. These tours begin at 5pm.
Visitors will be able to see the reproduction Australian paintings inside the homestead, then take a guided tour with National Trust manager Scott Pollock to see the exquisite gardens that surround the house at Retford Park.
Adults will be $80 and National Trust members are $70.
As part of the many events taking place, Archibald prize winner and renowned war artist, Ben Quilty will speak about his book, Home: Drawings by Syrian Children.
The book features a collection of heartbreaking and awe-inspiring drawings created by young survivors of war.
Proceeds from the sale of this book will support World Vision’s Child Friendly Spaces, early childhood and basic education projects in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.
Outside the main house at Retford Park, visitors will discover a satellite exhibition of the ‘Artists of the Round Yard Inc’.
This is a creative group of painters, sculptors, print-makers, philanthropists, glass, jewellery and ceramic artists, based at Retford Park.
Their art unfolds around the main house, in the gallery, a garden courtyard, and the exquisitely-built round yard.
Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 4861 1933 or email retfordpark@nationaltrust.com.au.
