Melbourne art scene in the 1950s: Philippe Mora home movies – Part 1

In the 1950s, the artist Mirka Mora was at the centre of a vibrant Melbourne scene of painters, sculptors, actors and dancers who prized spontaneity, creativity and the unconventional. We are fortunate to hold in our collection a series of 8mm home movies taken by Gerty Anschel, which document this world. And we’re more fortunate still that Mirka’s son, Philippe Mora, who donated the films and appears in them as a child, recorded his memories of the locations and people.  

These scenes were shot around 1953 and 1954 and feature views of the Moras’ home on Melbourne’s Collins Street, the Mirka Café, and the artists John Perceval and Joy Hester. Together, they give an impression of a community of artists who embraced play, relished the sensual world and were bound by close friendships. 

Anschel composed her footage with an artist’s eye, capturing reflections in café windows and Mirka framed by roses. It’s a loving record of Melbourne’s bohemian scene and an illuminating glimpse into the private lives of some of our foremost artists. 

Black-and-white footage begins with Mirka Mora and Klaus Anschel standing on the front steps at Gerty and Klaus Anschel's home. Children play in the front yard, including Danny Anschel and Philippe Mora (with hammer). Mirka is visible at the fence with children and friends. Colour footage begins with shots of a Fintonia street sign, Gerty Anschel, and Klaus Anschel asleep. Georges and Mirka Mora, with Miriam Anschel at Mirka’s side, play the card game canasta.

The clip also features the Mora family home (Grosvenor Chambers, 9 Collins Street, Melbourne) and the Mirka Café on Exhibition Street. John Perceval is seen at the window, with Gerty Anschel visible in the window's reflection. There is footage of Joy Hester and Gray Smith’s property, with Mirka Mora and Joy Hester in the garden and carrying picnic food. At the picnic are Gray Smith, Mirka Mora with Philippe Mora and Miriam Anschel, baby William Mora, Georges Mora sitting in a deck chair, Joy Hester breastfeeding and Charles Blackman. The clip ends with Philippe Mora eating a baguette.

Explore more rare footage of 1950s Melbourne art scene