A historic Subiaco home is shining new light on one of Western Australia’s most quietly rebellious artists. Fairview, the 1915 Federation residence owned by art collector and curator Thomas Murrell, will open its doors for the 2026 Australian Heritage Festival with an exhibition exploring the life and work of Peppermint Grove painter Nancy Sayer (1909–2005).
The exhibition, titled The Artist Who Didn’t Show Up, takes inspiration from this year’s festival theme, “Change.” It uses Sayer’s story to examine how women artists of the 20th century often worked in the shadows of a male-dominated art world.
Sayer became known for her richly coloured still-life paintings and her refusal to conform to artistic expectations. In 1997, she famously skipped her own debut solo exhibition to take her dog to obedience school—a decision that has since become symbolic of her independence and quiet defiance.
Murrell has curated the exhibition using the “Cruthers Philosophy,” developed by the late Sir James Cruthers. This approach, known as the “Artist and Her Work” ethos, argues that an artwork cannot be fully understood without knowing the story of its creator.
“The Cruthers approach is about more than just aesthetics; it’s an ethical commitment to visibility,” Murrell said. “By bringing Sayer’s works out of the shadows and into this restored Federation setting, we are correcting a historically male-dominated narrative.”
Visitors to Fairview will be able to explore three key themes:
The Sayer Case Study: A close look at Sayer’s emotional and artistic truth through her vivid still-life paintings.
The Cruthers Lens: How pairing an artist’s story with her work creates a more complete historical record.
Architectural Symbiosis: How Fairview’s original stained glass motifs echo the botanical subjects that inspired Sayer.
Tours will run every Saturday and Sunday at 12 noon from April 18 to May 18. Numbers are limited, and bookings are essential via Eventbrite or the National Trust WA at https://Fairview2026.eventbrite.com.au.
Built in 1915 for Scottish ice engineer John Kennedy, Fairview is a striking example of Federation-era architecture. Its stained glass and leadlight windows reflect the prosperity of early 20th-century Subiaco, which boasts one of the best-preserved collections of domestic stained glass in the world.
The Fairview Art Collection, curated by Murrell, brings together Australian art, heritage architecture, and storytelling. It focuses on underrepresented artists—particularly Western Australian women—and aligns with national initiatives such as the #KnowMyName campaign to highlight overlooked voices in art history.
Murrell, who is also CEO of 8M Media, said the exhibition aims to connect art, leadership, and heritage. “Fairview is more than a home—it’s a living museum of Western Australia’s cultural identity,” he said.
The Australian Heritage Festival is the nation’s largest community-driven heritage event, celebrating stories, places, and traditions that shape Australia’s identity.
