Image above: Fairlie Kingston in her brother’s studio. Photo by Joy Lai.
In an interview with arts writer Elizabeth Fortescue for the State Library of New South Wales Openbook magazine, Fairlie Kingston discusses the artistic legacy left by her late brother Peter Kingston (1943-2022), from within the walls of his Lavender Bay home studio where he lived and worked for decades.
The interview took place in conjunction with the State Library’s efforts to photographically document Peter’s house as a site of lasting historic and artistic significance.
“Future generations might not be able to visit ‘Kingo’s’ house,” explains Fortescue in her essay, “but they will be able to see virtually every inch of it, inside and out, thanks to the almost forensic rigour with which Library photographers Joy Lai and Russell Perkins recorded it.” The above image of Fairlie, taken by Joy Lai, shows the Sydney artist in his painting studio at his Lavender Bay home just three weeks after his death last year.
Elizabeth Fortescue’s essay and interview with Fairlie Kingston appears in the Openbook autumn 2023 issue. Openbook is a lavish, award-winning magazine of new writing, fresh ideas and contemporary photography.
View towards Sydney Harbour Bridge from Kingston’s linocut workroom. Photo by Joy Lai.
Kingston’s painting equipment. Photo by Joy Lai.
Internal view towards Sydney Harbour Bridge from Kingston’s linocut workroom. Photo by Joy Lai.
Fairlie Kingston Collaroy 2010 ceramic relief 19.5 x 28 cm. MAG&M Collection, acquired 2017.
Works by Fairlie Kingston and Peter Kingston are currently on display at Manly Art Gallery & Museum in Manly by Ferry: Treasures from the Vault.
Fairlie was born in Sydney and is renowned for her ceramic relief tiles of coastal scenes around Sydney. The artist’s deep connection to the coastal environment is reflected through her work.
Fairlie has spent significant time sailing through the coves and inlets of Sydney Harbour with her late brother and celebrated artist Peter Kingston on his boat, the MV Anytime.
Manly by Ferry: Treasures from the Vault celebrates a quintessential Sydney icon and reveals insights into its evolution across the decades. Immortalised in art, music and literature, the Manly ferry is embedded into the cultural fabric of Sydney and has long evoked all kinds of emotions and imagery.
Manly by Ferry: Treasures from the Vault
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
West Esplanade Reserve, Manly NSW 2095
9 December 2022 – 26 February 2023
