The annual National Trust Heritage Lectures have acquired a reputation for hosting intriguing and must-see speakers in wonderful venues. Tuesday evening capped an illustrious heritage featuring Clive James in the beautiful and awe-inspiring State Theatre, Sydney.

 

 

 

 

Before a packed audience, Clive delighted National Trust members, staff, several of the artists he would be discussing that evening and the general public with his stories of his experience of Australian art. The first to admit that he was never an expert, Clive’s enviable reminiscences of his time living with Brett Whiteley, shooting sparrows (and accidentally a painting) with Robert Hughes and being drawn by Jeffrey Smart for a painting in which he only occupies an inch, described a growing love and deep admiration for those Australian artists who created their own unique niche in the world of art.

 

Amusing and erudite, Clive left his audience with a desire to go and review a Brett Whitely, to see a Margaret Olley exhibition, and to take another look at those Australian artists who have painted Australia, our land and culture, into the world.