By Jed Lanyon
Thirty years ago, world-renowned sculptor Ernst Fries and wife Rosmarie established Art at Linden Gate as an exhibition space for Yarra Valley artists and a home to Mr Fries’ sculptures.
Following the passing of Mr Fries in March, Art at Linden Gate will be closing its doors forever as Yarra Valley Arts vice president and daughter of Mr Fries, Reggie Clark, told Star Mail the property is set to be sold.
Ms Clark, who is also the gallery’s director, will be hosting one final exhibition to give local residents and supporters one last chance to view the work of Mr Fries.
“It’s bittersweet really. It’s very sad to be leaving the place I have grown to love,” Ms Clark said. “It’s sad to be leaving the community behind and it’s an end of an era for dad, who lived there for over 35 years.”
Ms Clark said she will be out of the property by Christmas and that she will now be enjoying retirement.
“We will sorely miss the beauty and rhythm of the Yarra Valley, which we’ve come to love, so we aim to stay in touch with the vibrant local art scene.”
Precious Possessions won’t feature an opening due to the threat of the coronavirus, but the gallery will be open for several days and Ms Clark will be providing private tours.
The exhibition will showcase the many facets of Ernst’s artistic journey, including bronze, gold and silversmithing, enamelling and sculptures incorporating concrete, granite, steel, stainless steel and Dalle de Verre glass.
Despite the closure of Art at Linden Gate, the work on Mr Fries will live on in the community.
Some of Mr Fries’ works include creating a bushfire memorial in Yarra Glen, the Victorian Coat of Arms at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, the Toolangi Sculpture Trail, the church windows at St Ita’s Catholic Church Drouin and many more.
Yarra Valley residents pass his sculpture everyday along the Warburton Highway in Wandin’s shopping strip. The sculpture was commissioned by Yarra Ranges Council in 2018.
The exhibition will be open for viewing on 20-22 November and again on 27-29 November from 10am-5pm.
