Modern Love The lives of John and Sunday Reed Lesley Harding and Kendrah Morgan
Imagine that you're a young artist and you've been invited to Heide. Imagine that you are charmed by Sunday, you enjoy one of her delicious lunches, and you discuss art with John and Sunday while you walk in the flower-filled gardens. Imagine that they want you to stay and that they want to help you promote your art. What could be better?
Many artists thought that the art sanctuary that John and Sunday established at Heide was idyllic. One described it as 'heaven,' but another thought that it was too contrived. John and Sunday patronised many Australian artists but their generosity was abused by several, notably Sydney Nolan.
This book provides a brilliant analysis of John and Sunday's strange but enduring Bohemian marriage ,their anguished relationship with Nolan and other great tragedies in their lives, such as the early deaths of many of their friends. Lest some think that this book is too sad, however, John and Sunday had happy and lasting friendships, especially with Mirka Mora and her husband George.
Anyone who reads this book will want to visit Heide and read more about John and Sunday Reed and the other artists in this group.
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