Melbourne art scene in the 1950s: Philippe Mora home movies – Part 2

Home movie footage taken by Gerty Anschel (c. 1954–55) with audio commentary by artist and filmmaker Philippe Mora. Part 2 of 3 features the property of Roger de Stoop, artist friends and Arthur Boyd at work on his 1956 Melbourne Olympic statue. In the commentary, Philippe reflects on his childhood and identifies key figures of the Melbourne art scene.

The footage begins with shots of Roger de Stoop's home; artist friends stroll across the property. Guests picnic in the bush, including Alan Wynn, Georges Mora, Laurence Hope, Sally Wynn, Simon Wynn, Mirka Mora and Gerty Anschel. Mirka prepares food; in the garden are John Perceval, Mary Perceval (now Lady Nolan), Matthew Perceval, Neil Douglas and Hernia Boyd.

We see Neil Douglas painting and Arthur Boyd’s ceramic sculptures on display at the Herald Outdoor Art Show in Melbourne. Boyd works on his (commissioned) ceramic sculpture for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics in his studio at Murrumbeena. Mirka Mora and Georges Mora assist Arthur Boyd with ceramic pieces. Also featured are Jamie Boyd and a large group of artists' children (including Philippe Mora and Danny Anschel) making ceramic works in Boyd’s studio. The clip ends with Boyd working on site at the Olympic stadium.

Explore more rare footage of 1950s Melbourne art scene