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The women of Montsalvat

The women who were the driving force behind Montsalvat’s design, construction and culture. Defying the cultural expectations of their day, it was the women of Montsalvat who helped to establish a more inclusive artistic community. The oldest continuous artistic colony in Australia, Montsalvat was established in 1934; a time when the Australian arts community was dominated by men.

Lily Jörgensen, one of Victoria’s first anaesthetists, financed the establishment of the colony.

Artists Sonia Skipper and Helen Lempriere carved stone and made bricks to create the structures for which Montsalvat is known. Artist and writer Sue Vanderkelen, coined the name ‘Montsalvat’, co-founded a women’s cooking and dining collective and created feasts for the working crews of builders and artists creating Montsalvat.

Accomplished artist Helen Skipper was the entrepreneur who kept the colony afloat during the difficult war years. She also managed the day-to-day activities, preparing canvases and managing the studio for her partner, Justus.

Lesley Sinclair ran the art school, while Myra Skipper, a talented jeweller and metalsmith, created moulds and cast bronze and silver for her husband, celebrated jeweller and sculptor Matcham Skipper.

Proposed location: Eltham, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung country

The women of Montsalvat, Victorian Women’s Public Art Program

Image source: Montsalvat.

Arts, culture & heritage

Agnes Chambers, Agnes Doig and the Wonthaggi Miners Women’s Auxiliary

The Auxiliary founding members were a group of striking miners’ wives, led by Secretary Agnes Chambers and Agnes Doig.

Arts, culture & heritage

Aunty Dorothy Peters

Aunty Dorothy ‘Dot’ Peters AM was a widely loved and respected Yarra Yarra woman.

Arts, culture & heritage

Aunty Margaret (Lilardia) Tucker MBE

Aunty Margaret Tucker MBE was an activist for Aboriginal rights.

Arts, culture & heritage

Barbara Rae

Barbara Rae was the top scorer and winning captain of the first women’s cricket match held in Australia.

Arts, culture & heritage

Louisa Briggs

Louisa Briggs was a trailblazing Aboriginal rights leader, midwife and nurse.

The Women’s Public Art Program complements the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, which celebrates women’s outstanding leadership and contributions to life in Victoria.

Finding Her is Australia’s first interactive state-wide digital map spotlighting women’s commemorative sites. You can read about these public art projects and many more at Finding Her.

Follow along on social channels

Share the stories of inspirational Victorian women via DFFH’s social media channels.

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Victorian Women’s Public Art Program

The Victorian Women’s Public Art Program aims to address the underrepresentation of women and their achievements through enduring public artworks.

Arts, culture & historyWomen

Updated 25 February 2026

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