This historic home gallery is set across 5 hectares in the Peninsula’s beautiful hinterland of Bunurong Country. Here, you can find a range of fine-quality Aboriginal art curated by specialists Susan McCulloch OAM and Emily McCulloch Childs.
The Legacy of Whistlewood: A Journey Through Time
Nestled in the serene landscape of Shoreham, Whistlewood stands as a testament to the rich history and artistic heritage of the Mornington Peninsula. Built in the late 1870s by Samuel Tuck, a son of early Scottish settler Henry Tuck, Whistlewood spanned initially part of the 6000-acre Tuck estate around Flinders. The house, first known as ‘Hillcrest,’ has since been a canvas for generations of creativity and innovation.
As Whistlewood transitioned through the hands of just three families over its 140-year history, each has left an indelible mark on its architecture and legacy. The property evolved from a working potato farm and dairy under the Tucks to an architecturally modified home under Charles Smart and finally to a vibrant cultural hub under the stewardship of the McCulloch family.
Since 1951, Whistlewood has been the heart of the McCulloch family’s artistic endeavours. Alan McCulloch AO, a towering figure in Australian art, laid the foundations for what would become a sanctuary for artists, writers, and intellectuals. Alongside his wife, Ellen McCulloch, a star of Australia’s early film industry, they transformed Whistlewood into a space where art and culture converge.
Everywhen Art: A Global Contribution to Aboriginal Art
Everywhen Art, established by Susan McCulloch OAM and Emily McCulloch Childs, is a branch of McCulloch & McCulloch, a multi-faceted art company renowned for its contributions to Australian and Aboriginal art. Their work encompasses art book publishing, including significant titles like the Encyclopaedia of Australian Art and McCulloch’s Contemporary Aboriginal Art: the complete guide, as well as curating exhibitions, speaking engagements, and social enterprise initiatives.
With a focus on First Nations’ art, Susan and Emily have become respected figures in art circles globally, curating exhibitions and providing insightful commentary on the rich tapestry of Aboriginal art. Their home/gallery Whistlewood has been a platform for showcasing Australian First Nations’ art since 2009, with Everywhen Artspace in Flinders serving as a vibrant space for exhibitions until its recent return to Whistlewood in 2024.
The gallery’s name, “Everywhen,” pays homage to anthropologist W.E.H Stanner’s description of the Aboriginal concept of time in his 1953 essay ‘The Dreaming.’ This reflects the timeless nature of the art showcased at Whistlewood, where each exhibition is accompanied by comprehensive catalogues, and every piece comes with an informative certificate of authenticity.
Whistlewood Today: A Hub of Artistic Creativity
Today, the activities and spirit of Whistlewood remain as vibrant as ever, serving as a repository for art and a hub of creativity. The McCullochs continue to partner with other Peninsula cultural entities and share their artistic history and knowledge, promoting Whistlewood as a unique cultural resource.
As we step into the future with Everywhen Art at Whistlewood, we honour the past and embrace the endless possibilities of art’s power to connect, inspire, and transform. Join us on this journey at Whistlewood, where history meets the horizon of contemporary Aboriginal art.
