Sir Hans Heysen

Extract from Village Voice 1, Autumn 2005

Hans Heysen

• Born  in  Hamburg Germany  1887
• Arrived in Australia with his family at the age of 7
• He always loved painting and  sold his first work aged 15 for I0 shillings.
• Was sponsored by 4 businessmen to study in Europe  for 4 years in return for the  pictures he painted  over there.
• Returned to Australia in 1903, held an exhibition in 1908 which enabled him to purchase The Cedars in  1912.
• Married Sally Bartels in 1904, they had 8 children, so extended the house twice to accommodate the large family.
• Thus it remains today  under the shelter  of  huge cedars.
• Built a purpose  designed studio in 1 91 3, which remains open to the public on guided tour today.

Zinnias and Autumn Fruits 1923

Sallie Heysen - charcoal by Hans 1912

• Best known works feature gums in the vagaries of the light on the Australian landscape, but he was also well recognised  for still life works , and for his works in the Flinders Ranges.
• He and Sally entertained well and often, on many occasions enjoying the company of the famous and elite. The kitchen and the drawing room still offer that gracious and homely welcome .
• Sir Hans was knighted in 1959
• He died  1968 and is buried beside his wife Sally in the Hahndorf cemetery.