Bundoora Homestead Art Centre

More Information

History of Bundoora Homestead

In 1899, John Matthew Vincent Smith (1857-1923), a prominent identity in the horse breeding and racing industry, acquired the property known as Bundoora Park consisting of some 606 acres (245 hectares) of land. The Wurundjeri-william, a clan of the Woiwurung language group are the traditional owners of the area. Many local names are associated with Wurundjeri clan chief leader Billibellary (c 1799-1846) who negotiated with white settlers in the 1830s and 1840s. The name Bundoora is believed to be derived from Keelbundoora, the name of Billibellary’s nephew.

Bundoora Homestead was the result of a design competition. The owner John Matthew Vincent Smith advertised in the Argus and attracted 16 designs. He had grown up in Castlefield in Brighton and was a good friend of Alexander McCracken (1856-1910) who built a similar mansion called North Park in Essendon. The first prize of 50 pounds was awarded to Sydney Herbert Wilson for his design of a double storey asymmetrical plan, red brick mansion with dominant hipped roofs, protruding strapped gables and stucco chimneys. The fourteen room mansion was built in 1899 by J.B. Sewell & Co. Decorative details included stained glass by August Fischer (1861-1916), plaster work, mantels and a grand staircase with pyrographic panels. Bundoora Homestead remains one of Wilson’s most distinguished works and a prominent example of the Queen Anne style as adapted to the Australian environment.

Smith and his family lived at Bundoora Homestead, which operated primarily as a horse stud for 20 years. The most well-known horse associated with Bundoora Park was Wallace, son of Carbine. From 1903-1915 Wallace was one of the most sought after stallions in Australia.

Convalescent Farm

In December 1920 the property was sold to the Commonwealth Government and became known as the Bundoora Convalescent Farm, the first facility established in Victoria to provide care and rehabilitation for returned service personnel from WW1 suffering with psychiatric disorders. In 1948, Dr John Cade (1912-1980), discovered the successful effects of lithium carbonate in the treatment of mental illness. This was hailed as a major breakthrough in psychiatric medicine around the world.

In 2001 Darebin City Council opened Bundoora Homestead as a centre for contemporary art.

Talk and Tea

Bundoora Homestead Art Centre is proud to present Talk and Tea, a monthly afternoon lecture series devoted to lively and informative discussions of the visual arts.

Our guest speakers examine theories, techniques and concepts behind the art; reflect on the social, political, cultural and religious implications expressed through art and share some thought provoking perspectives on the artists themselves.

Tickets can be booked by calling 03 9496 1060. For more information regarding dates, times and themes please visit our website.

The Access Gallery

The Access Gallery is an exhibition and performance space that hosts projects developed by artists, writers, performers, community groups, organisations and special interest groups.

The purpose of this space is to encourage various groups to create their own exhibitions and performances and tell their own stories that investigate issues and themes relating to cultural diversity, heritage and identity. The Access Gallery also provides communities and community groups with an avenue to showcase their skills, traditions and culture, and for individuals to acquire first-hand experience in planning, developing and mounting their exhibitions and performances.

If you are interested in applying to the Access Gallery please visit our website for more information.

Show me on a map