Paul Bibby
Margaret Olley’s famous Duxford Street home studio featured a beautiful garden which reflected her love of flowers and plants as subject matter for her work.
This has inspired the development of the Margaret Olley Memorial Garden (MOMG) at the Tweed Regional Gallery, officially opened by former Governor General, Quentin Bryce, on June 19.
Situated in the grounds of the Gallery and capitalising on the stunning location, the garden is a living tribute to the artist.
In launching the MOMG, the Gallery shared the news that Margaret’s ashes are interred in the Garden, marking a fitting final resting place in the grounds of the Gallery’s Margaret Olley Art Centre.
Designed by two local landscape designers, Dan Plummer and Belinda Smith, the garden cleverly incorporates aspects of Margaret’s home studio, including the paved terraces which mimic the patterns of the many kilims in her studio.
There are seating areas near the memorial site/plaque marking the location of Margaret’s final resting place.
The garden provides additional usable outdoor space for the many visitors to enjoy the views of the Tweed landscape from the Gallery site.
It is 10 years since Margaret’s passing and this Memorial Garden is a wonderful way to celebrate her extraordinary life.
The Gallery and Tweed Shire Council acknowledge the generosity of the Margaret Olley Art Trust and the Tweed Regional Gallery Foundation Ltd in funding the Margaret Olley Memorial Garden.
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