Magpie’s view, Everglades Gardens, Leura

1988
PXD 585 / 2
Screen print poster

Situated on one of the highest points in Leura, is one of Australia’s foremost heritage gardens, Everglades Gardens.* In the early 1930s the property was purchased by the Belgian-born textile merchant and designer Henri Van de Velde, whose passion and solace was the Blue Mountains. Van de Velde had grand plans for the property, and in 1938, he teamed up with his friend, Danish architect and landscape artist, Paul Sorensen to create the ultimate ‘weekender, steeped in modernist design.*’ The designers’ work resulted in this European-styled sanctuary; a composition of perfectly manicured grounds, set amongst native Australian bush.

‘The Blue Mountains Australia’ is an illustration of a magpie sitting on a tree branch hanging over The Lookout at Everglades Gardens. The artist has portrayed the edge of the Gardens which seamlessly blend into the rugged, mountainous backdrop. The bush track in the foreground of the image is the perimeter of the property, and links three viewpoints which offer spectacular views across the Jamison Valley.

This silk screen print poster is one of a series of seven prints of views in the Blue Mountains by artist Malcolm King. The series appeared in a limited edition of 60 prints produced for the Australian Bicentennial Celebrations in 1988, and was also issued as The Blue Mountains Wonderland Series Commemorative Editions.

Footnotes

* Everglades Historic House and Gardens http://www.everglades.org.au/