Heathcote’s oldest existing building in collage

PASSIONATE about history and Heathcote’s historical buildings, Clara Carlsen took photographs of the town’s oldest existing building before it was restored.

The building is now the site of the award-winning Chauncy Restaurant.

“I am an artist, not a photographer,” said Ms Carlsen.

“But I felt it was important to preserve the history of this magnificent building and, with permission, took a number of photographs.

“I wasn’t sure at first what I would do with them but eventually put them together as a photo collage.”

The collage is now on display at Heathcote Winery.

“I feel like it is almost back home, being just across the road from the restaurant,” se said.

“It will be on display until 24 February and after that I would love for it to find a home where locals could view it.

“I am pleased that the collage is displayed at the same time as Salvatore Trigila’s Take Five exhibition as I think it compliments his magnificent drawings of prominent Melbourne buildings.”

The former art teacher has been painting for most of her life.

For her next project, Ms Carlsen is hoping to make drawings of other historic buildings in Heathcote.

“It will be a huge project, but I would love to see them all put together for an exhibition.”