About

Welcome to
Hillview

Hillview brings together art, heritage, nature, food and wine in one of the most fertile regions of NSW.

Once a Vice-Regal retreat for NSW state Governors, Hillview is now a regional exhibition and destination of national significance. The Permanent Park and Biennial transforms the historic estate into a carefully curated space where artists exhibit their works throughout the grounds and buildings of this state heritage listed property.

— Explore Hillview's history

The faces behind Hillview Sculpture

Damien Miller

Affectionately known as ‘Mr Hillview’, Damien has spent 20 years caring for Hillview and enthusiastically restoring and maintaining the historic property. Damien had the original vision to bring sculpture to Hillview and he is firmly committed to the belief that sculpture at Hillview will be of immense cultural and economic benefit to the people of the Southern Highlands, New South Wales and beyond.

Ron Roberton-Swann

Born in Sydney Ron Roberton-Swann studied sculpture in London at Saint Martins School of Art. Ron Roberton-Swanns was also later awarded with the Order of Australia in 2002 and has become the head of Sculpture at the National Art School of Australia. Get to know him better by clicking here.

Ayako Saito

Born in Tokyo, Ayako Saito later moved to Australia and has been here since 2002. She studied sculpture at the Australian National University where she later received a Master’s Degree in sculpture, her impressive sculptures are usually made in plaster and cast in bronze.

Get to know her better by visiting her page.

History Of Hillview

Story

200 years ago, Governor Macquarie rode onto a nearby rise and wrote in his journal “not dissimilar to the pleasure counties of England; with undulating hills and sparsely populated trees”. For the last 8 years Hillview has been a non-profit organisation deeply rooted in the Southern Highlands community, encouraging our district as a whole to deepen its involvement with art.

Info: Hillview front facade 1890’s (left picture) and Earl Beauchamp 1890’s (right picture).

Summary Statement of Significance:

Hillview, including the site, buildings, gardens, archaeological features, fittings and contents has exceptional significance to the people of NSW as the former country home of the Governors of NSW.

The house and its assemblage are a rare surviving collection that not only relate to its gubernatorial occupation but demonstrate ways of life, taste and decoration from the 1880’s period through to the 1950’s period. Their value is enhanced as the place has been largely untouched since 1957 following the departure of the last Governor prior to the sale of the property.

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Hillview has been associated with a range of significant people in the history of NSW including Governors, architects and landscapers, as well as numerous visitors during the occupation of the Governors. Hillview is of significance in its relationship to Government House Sydney and other Government houses and country retreats throughout Australia. It is the most intact Government summer residence to survive and provides insights into the lives and lifestyles of the Governors that is not seen at Government House Sydney. Hillview through the buildings, furnishings, gardens, and archaeological potential has the ability to reveal new information about the broader history and development of NSW due to the intact form of most parts of the assemblage from its Government occupation.

Historic Photos

Take a look at the historic photographs of Hillview. If you have any questions about the history of Hillview do not herisate to contact us via our contact page.

The front facade (~1904)

Sir & Lady Game (~1931)

View of main entrance (~1930)

The Governor’s State Carriage (1889-1911)

The drawing room (~1909)

The original entry gates (~1890)

How To Support

Hillview Sculpture is generously supported by people who share in our vision to build a cultural legacy for the Highlands.

Donations

Hillview sculpture park is generously supported by people who share our vision to build a cultural legacy for the highlands.
Sponsorship and donations assist artists with the costs of exhibiting, such as materials, transport and installation. They also help us present the exhibition in a considered and professional way.

For more information about supporting Hillview Sculpture Park, please email info@hillviewsculpture.com or phone Damien Miler on 0487123778