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 1954 and 1955 and feature the Moras, the art gang at a balcony party and American actor Melvyn Douglas.

Anschel composed her footage with an artist’s eye. The films give an impression of a community of artists who embraced play, relished the sensual world and were bound by close friendships. It’s a loving record of Melbourne’s bohemian scene and an illuminating glimpse into the private lives of some of our foremost artists.

The clip features Mirka Mora dancing the can-can, Georges Mora giving Philippe a haircut, and Mirka with a candle (with Gerty reflected in the window). Mirka, Georges Mora and Klaus Anschel learn ballet from Miriam Anschel. At a balcony party, the guests include: Melvyn Douglas, Charles (?), Mirka Mora (outside the balcony bannister), Laurence Hope, Gray Smith, baby William Mora, Georges Mora, Mary Perceval (now Lady Nolan), Arthur Boyd, Joy Hester, Yvonne Boyd, Julius Kane, David Boyd, Mandy Boyd and John Perceval drawing.

Explore more rare footage of 1950s Melbourne art scene