The York Australian Parsonage Collection.
Presenting the York Parsonage Australian Art Collection, an invaluable treasure owned by John Hay, a former resident of York.
With a history of patronage towards artist John Feeny, discussions between the two have led to the decision that these 20 significant paintings deserve a permanent exhibition in York. This proposal seeks to create an engaging showcase, anticipated to captivate tourists and locals alike, enriching their understanding of Australian art. John Feeny has kindly offered to manage the installation of the artworks and participate in any events celebrating the collection's presence.
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YORK IS THE OLDEST INLAND TOWN IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Situated approximately 97 kilometres by road east of Perth in the Avon Valley, which is one of the most fertile areas of the State.
The Swan River Colony was settled by the British in 1829, founding the State of Western Australia. Soon it became evident that suitable land would have to be found beyond Fremantle and Perth for growing of cereal crops to provide necessary food for the increasing population.
Ensign Robert Dale, a 21-year-old Officer of the 63rd Regiment, was assigned the task of making the first exploratory journey over the Darling Ranges during the winter months of 1830 into what was later to become known as the Avon Valley.
As a result of these explorations, Governor Stirling decided that the new district would be thrown open for selection and this was done by Government Notice on 11 November 1830.
The first settlers in the district reached the valley on 15 September 1831, and immediately set about the construction of huts, the preparations required for their livestock and the cultivation of new land.
Born in Western Australia in 1941, John Feeny studied commercial art in Perth. A painter of Aboriginal and Australian bush subjects, and a photographer , he has exhibited in Western Australia since 1970
The York Australian Parsonage Collection.
York is the first European established inland town in Western Australia and is of significant historical importance. The first vicar Reverend Edward Millet and his wife Janet arrived in the 1860’s Janet was an artist and author and wrote a book entitled “ An Australian Parsonage “ It is from this book that John Feeney painted a selection of 20 paintings depicting aspects of life back then.
John Feeny - The Artist
The Millets disembarking at Fremantle 1863 (page number in book is 12)
Khourabene introduces himself (page 72 in book)
Binnahan (Page 139 - 141)
Working in the garden with Khourabene and Edward
A town well became a meeting place (page 32)
They took their belongings by steamboat to Perth (page 18)
The Forrest was so dense a settler’s wife was lost for 6 hours (page 265)
An enquiry cleared Edward
Janet loved to go riding alone Police Magistrate Walkinshaw Cowan unaware of Edwards medical condition thought him a drunkard and sought to have him removed. Edward delivers books to convict road menders (page 17)
Edward gives a prayer of thanks for little damage done after a lightning strike with servant Rosa and Janet (page 174)
On her journey to York Janet meets a convict road gang on Greenmount (page 39)
Watching a corroboree (Page 230)
The dying woman begs Janet to adopt her daughter Binnahan (page 139)
A boy delivers a keg of water to a neighbours whose well has run dry (page 234)
Given wrong directions to a settlers farm they spent the night without food or water (page 267)
Edward greets settlers arriving at Church (page 359) Janet spent her first night at lakes Inn (page 47)
A Road gang returning to the convict depot along Avon terrace (page 242)