A Visit to Retford Park:
The legacy of James Fairfax
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting Retford Park, the estate of my cousin, James Fairfax. The experience was made even more special by the guidance of my fantastic aunt, Melissa, who took me on a personal tour of the estate, which is now owned by the National Trust of NSW. Her stories about James offered unique insights that a typical tour might not provide, making me feel truly honored to relive those shared memories.
James Fairfax was known far beyond the Fairfax media empire for his remarkable philanthropy and passion for the arts. As an avid art collector he made significant contributions to Australias big public art galleries, but his most notable act was the donation of $30 million worth of old European masterworks, including pieces by Rubens, Fontana, Ribera, and so many others to the Art Gallery of NSW in the 1990s. This generous act not only made headlines but also solidified his status as one of the world's frontiers of art collectors at the time.
Today, the National Trust of NSW maintains the estate, offering weekly tours that allow the public to admire over the beauty of the land. It's heartening to see that Retford Park was donated for preservation rather than being sold, guaranteeing its natural beauty remains untouched for future generations. While I was painting there, a bystander said, “I can feel James's presence in the vibrant life of the estate; its neon green leaves, vivid pink and red flowers, and crisp clear air, seemed to embody his spirit.” That sentiment deeply resonated with me and was something I aimed to convey.
In my painting, I chose to capture the estate at sunset, during the "magic hour" when the sun casts a warm glow, illuminating everything it touches. This choice reflects the notion that even though James is no longer with us, his presence can still be felt by the kiss of light, reminding us of his honorable life that inspired so many, including myself. I plan to donate this painting to the estate, hoping that in spirit, James might see it, give a smile, tip his hat and nod.
James House at Retford Park, Oil on Linen, 26” x 36”
