Balmoral – “The most beautiful beach in the world” – an inspiration for artists
Many of our best known late 19th century, early 20th century Australian Impressionists set up artists camps in the bush, calling themselves The “Brotherhood of the bush”. Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts, Conrad Martens and Julian Ashton, among others, made their bush home in Mosman, Inspired by the impressionist movement in France and an enthusiasm for “plein-air” painting.
The gathering together of free-spirited young men in the open air to capture the beauty of their surroundings certainly inspired some beautiful paintings and drawings which were much sought after then, and more so today.
Some of the earliest camps were in Balmoral’s Edward’s Beach in the park just 50 metres from The Oriana, proclaiming it “the most beautiful beach in the world. Balmoral is the subject of more paintings around Sydney than any other suburb.
View of North Head and Island Edward’s Beach, Balmoral
in late 19th century
Julian Rossi Ashton 1851-1942.
Robert Louis Stevenson was one of the notable writers to spend a night under canvas at Balmoral. Although women did not live in the camp many female artists and writers were frequent visitors. In 1903 Ada Cambridge a well know author penned the following romantic description of the Balmoral camp.
“… a cluster of tents, a little garden, a woodstock water tub – almost hidden in the trees and bushes until one was close upon it; and the camp looked out upon the great gateway of the heads, and saw all the ships that passed through, voyaging to the distant world and back again”
Nothing really has changed. The camp may have gone but the beauty of Edward’s Beach, Balmoral, has not altered. Guests staying at The Oriana can appreciate its beauty by enjoying the stunning 270 degree views of the beach, harbour, Heads and beyond .
