Paintings, Puddings and Prudes: Norman Lindsay

And whilst the Lindsay name is familiar Australia-wide, it’s less widely known that the Lindsay family were born and raised in Creswick – just a short drive from Daylesford. The Lindsays were a large family of ten kids; with Percy, Lionel, Norman, Ruby and Reg becoming artists, three of whom were knighted for services to the Arts.

Creswick was an interesting place in the late 1800s; the gold rush was winding up, and although the town was bustling with miners from around the world, it was still a very conservative small country town. The Lindsays were a bohemian bunch, the house was full of art, books, music and people, and the townsfolk were not amused.

The Lindsays left an astounding legacy of much-loved artwork, and some wild stories of life, as it was, for a creative family in quiet country Victoria. A great way to learn the stories of the Lindsays is to walk the Creswick of the Lindsay’s Art Trail. This informative and well-signed trail takes you around the town, and relays fascinating tales of their notoriety and fame; the parties, the models, the time Norman wagged school for nine months, and the inspiration and setting for so much of their art. Walk the same streets as they did over a  century ago, and learn how the Lindsays became one of the most significant names in Australian cultural history.

Pick up a trail map from the Creswick Visitor Information Centre or visit the Creswick Museum and discover more about the Lindsays – one of Australia’s great creative families.

creswick.net/creswick/lindsay-art-trail