The Woodford Academy is a fertile ground for creative imaginations. Nine leading Blue Mountains artists and three poets bring to life the amazing history of the house and its diverse occupants in If These Walls Could Speak.
Curated by Susan Cochrane, If These Walls Could Speak is a thematic exhibition inspired by the architecture, landscape, real and imagined personalities, history and heritage of the building.
The Woodford Academy has a varied and intriguing history. Sited on Darug traditional land, it witnessed the plight of early settlers, then was one of the first licensed pubs in the Mountains. It became a convivial inn in the gold rush days, was upgraded to a Victorian country retreat, and finally became a respected private school.
Each of the nine artists – Greg Bakes, Cathie Cox, Mary Greig, Tia Henderson, Caitlin Hughes, Christine Hyde, Jo Langley, Livonne Larkins and Alison Marcer – has been inspired by the lives of the occupants of the academy over time. Likewise, the poets Mark O'Flynn, Emma Brazil and John McManamey.
If These Walls Could Speak is on May 20 from 10am-4pm. Artist talks/poetry readings 1-2pm.
