ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

The Heidelberg School


Heidelberg, Victoria, what’s its claim to fame?
Think, perhaps of Roberts, a fairly common name,
what about McCubbin, throw in Streeton too,
surely these three surnames will generate a clue.

All Australian artists, who largely made their stamp
as members of a somewhat exclusive artists’ camp,
painting the landscape, it the artistes’ jewel,
forming what is known as the Heidelberg School.

Following the influence of European plein-air art,
the “suburban bush” round Heidelberg became a place to chart
Impressionism in Australia, a movement bound for glory,
fresh and unconventional, preaching a new story.

Late Nineteenth Century, a vibrant time that saw
a nationalistic sentiment, unashamed and raw,
approaching federation, new tenets for to sup,
casting off foreign ties, a nation growing up.

The Australian character owes its being in no small way
to what the artists at their camps strived to portray,
the paintings were received as reflective of the mood
of resourcefulness, freedom and mateship which accrued.

While it can be argued, Australia’s image now has changed,
it’s doubtful Impressionism appreciation is estranged,
Streeton, McCubbin, Roberts and others of their ilk
have left behind a legacy, the like of finest silk.










Jeff Thorpe 03 September 2013 ©

I think as well as Heidelberg, they may have also had artists camps at Box Hill and Templestowe. As far as I know, all these places are now well and truly built up suburbia, a world away from any romantic vision of the Australian bush landscape. There's a contrast to build a poetic theme on Jeff.

There was an artist retreat at Templestowe for both painting and poetry I believe it was called MONT ? something or other


bill Williams

Montsalvat - Eltham. Still there.