A bit about Petschel House…
Petschel House is today set on 14 acres a few kilometres south of the Hamilton township in the Victorian Western District. The bluestone house was originally built by the German (Prussian) family Rentsch. It was the first original farmhouse in this area. The Petschel family joined the Rentsch family by marriage and it became a Petschel House. There have been several changes in ownership since it’s beginnings it has a long and interesting history – another story…
Jenni and Mervyn bought the property in late 2016 and have relocated their Eltham life into the quieter and more serene environment. Firstly a new purpose built studio (designed by architect Robert Marshall) was constructed to house Jenni’s tools and painting activities. The studio is where the painting classes are to be conducted. There is space for painting, printmaking, jewellery work and desks for other activities. Next came the renovation of a Food store and hay shed – now the BIJOU GALLERY – so named by Elizabeth Arthur, the curator and Gallery director of repute in her speech at the opening of Jenni’s Studio. More on this later – Bijou is little jewel in French and it is all of that – a gallery for exhibiting Jenni & Mervyn’s artworks and sculpture, art supplies and produce made from the Petschel orchard.
Another shed has been rebuilt and lined as Mervyn’s studio and Workshop space for the STUDIO FRAMING picture framing activities relocated from Eltham. It’s a larger framing shop now than we had in Eltham and a more usable space.
There is also a lake with an island and a attractive rickety old bridge not safe to cross (at this stage) several paddocks housing alpacas and a few sheep. The orchard is overflowing with espalier apple trees, grapes, apricot, plum, peaches, lemons and raspberries. There are patches of strawberries, garlic and saffron. All of which have been turned into Conserves and pickles.
The Studio and Gallery opened to visitors in April 2018 and has begun it’s future journey of working with a new community for Jenni and Mervyn in Hamilton. The community has been invited to the first ‘Afternoon Tea’, an ‘Artists’ Picnic’ and the first workshops have already happened. There will be plenty more to come…
Jenni Mitchell
Jenni Mitchell grew up in Eltham and has been actively involved in the region for most of her life. She was elected by the community to serve as a Shire Councilor and has been a leader in local conservation and cultural issues within the region.
She began painting at the age of ten with private lessons from Leslie Sinclair at Montsalvat, later graduating from Phillip Institute (RMIT) with majors in painting and printmaking under Betty Churcher, Peter Booth and Brian Seidel. Further studies include a diploma of Professional Writing and Editing from NMIT and a Master of Visual Arts from Monash University.
Jenni has held numerous exhibitions throughout Australia, and has been included in many group exhibitions. Her works are represented in public and private collections in Australia, and overseas, including USA, UK. and Japan.
Mervyn Hannan
Mervyn Hannan was born in Melbourne, 1954. He grew up among artists’ and writers at the Montsalvat Artists’ Colony in Eltham, Victoria.
His work is held in private collection internationally and throughout Australia and remnants of ephemeral pieces can be found unusual locations throughout the world.
