M . A . G . G . I . E . Goodbye , farewell and amen
by Greg Martin
For the first time since its inception in 2011 , Maggie Scott-Kable , a venerated supporter of the prestigious Hawkesbury Art Prize ( HAP ), will not be attending the presentation of prizes on Saturday , 27 November .
Maggie has sold her Richmond residence of 29 years , historic Eulabah , and is off to a new home in Hobart where she can spend more quality time with her Tassie-based children , Linda and Mark , and 10 grandchildren .
The $ 18,000 Hawkesbury Art Prize presentation evening will be held at Robyn Williams ’ renowned Purple Noon Gallery and Maggie ’ s presence will be sorely missed by a host of admirers and friends .
Robyn , the chair of the HAP committee , became acquainted with Maggie when she was compiling a history of Eulabah and a close friendship developed between the gallery ownercurator and the businesswoman .
Over the years they have developed a strong interest in promoting life drawing at the UWS community Arts Workshop classes and being part of “ this wonderful , amazing community ”.
“ During a conversation I mentioned to Maggie the idea of initiating an art prize and that I would be seeking monetary sponsorships towards the prize from people who could afford to do so ,” Robyn explained .
Maggie replied , “ I am a person who
could afford to do so – how much would you like ?”
Down the years , Maggie has sponsored the event to the tune of $ 50,000 which has gone a long way to ensuring the HAP attracts entries from a wealth of talented artists . “ It has been heartbreaking to see Maggie go but that sadness will be tempered knowing she will be able to devote her love , devotion and energy to her Tassie family ,” Robyn said .
Maggie shared Eulabah with two husbands , the late Geoff , and Derek Scott who also sadly passed away in October 2018 . And no , Maggie didn ’ t have two husbands at the same time ! ( I might have over explained that !).
She and Geoff oversaw the restoration of iconic Eulabah from a hospital back into a magnificent home and says she is naturally sad to be leaving her home and the memories she shared there with Geoff and Derek .
Geoff and Maggie moved into the Hawkesbury in 1971 after purchasing a property in Grose Wold where they lived until the early 90s when they took on the formidable task of returning Eulabah to its former glory .
“ It was a labour of love but worth everything Geoff and I put into it ,” Maggie said . “ Of course , I am saddened to be leaving Eulabah , the Hawkesbury and the many friends I have made over the past half century .
“ But life goes on and I ’ ll make another life for myself in Hobart where I fully intend finding bridge and tennis clubs to
join , enjoying the company of Mark and Linda and their families and making new friends .”
Maggie will have no trouble whatsoever in doing that !
Eulabah is a Victorian Jacobean style home built in 1881 for of Reverend Dr James Cameron and his wife Eliza . After Reverend Cameron ’ s death in 1905 , Eulabah was sold to George Woodhill who lived there until selling it in 1911 . After two years of renovations it came back to life as a hospital .
The hospital operated under several names over the ensuing years : Richmond Cottage Hospital , Richmond District Hospital , Richmond Community Hospital ( from 1957 ) and Richmond Community Nursing Home from 1966 until its closure in 1990 and rebirthed two years later by Maggie and Geoff .
Despite Maggie ’ s absence , Robyn and hard-working fellow committee members , Alex Lister , Judy Brownlee , Tony Meskauskas , Fiona Stokes-Hughes and Margaret Mackisack , are eagerly anticipating the HAP presentation evening . “ We have received close to a record 600 entries from all over Australia and I ’ m delighted to say that nearly 30 of those entries were by Hawkesbury-based artists ,” Robyn said .
This year ’ s esteemed judges , Dr Pamela James , Madeleine Tuckfield-Carrano and Dan Kyle , sifted through the multitude of
Parting is such sweet sorrow ! Maggie Scott-Kable , although excited about her move to Hobart is still saddened leaving behind close friend , Robyn Williams , the owner-curator of Purple Noon Gallery , and her beloved home for nearly three decades , Eulabah . Photo : Kathryn Johnston .
entries to select 45 finalists , whose works will be exhibited at Purple Noon Gallery from 27 November to 12 December .
The winning artist will receive $ 10,000 plus a $ 4,000 two-week residency at Tony Kenny and David Leach ’ s charming Glenhuntly Estate at Bilpin .
There are two Highly Commended prizes – one will receive $ 1,000 and another Glenhuntly two-week sojourn while a Hawkesbury-based artist will be the recipient of $ 1,000 .
There are also four commended prizes plus a $ 500 Packer ’ s Prize , judged by the HAP committee members .
The HAP is a non-profit event with proceeds from the $ 45 entry fees directed to the Secret Garden complex on the University of Sydney ’ s Richmond campus .
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 138 // NOVEMBER 2021 5