Gordon Pendlebury oral history interviews relating to the 2013 Blue Mountains bush fires, by Louise Whelan, 13 November 2013 and 21 March 2015

fonds

13 November 2013 and 21 March 2015

Nonmusical Sound Recordings, Oral Histories, Graphic Materials, Photographs

1344655

2 audio files (2 hours, 4 minutes) - digital, WAV (48 kHz, 24 bit)
5 photographs - digital, JPEG, colour

Louise Whelan is a photographer and oral historian who works across a range of fields including documentary, corporate and fine art photography. Much of her practice draws inspiration from environmental and humanitarian issues, and her interest in the aesthetic of memory. Louise is widely published and exhibited. She has more than 30 national and international awards to her name including Winner, Julia Margaret Cameron Award UK(Documentary and Editorial), Finalist, National Portrait Prize Australia (2012 and 2013, 2016) and The Head On Portrait Prize 2011.

Reference:
Library correspondence file.

The October 2013 bushfires in the Blue Mountains were the most severe in NSW since the 1960s. Over 100 homes were lost in Springwood and Winmalee, with a combination of unseasonally hot weather and strong winds intensifying the fires. The NSW Government declared a State of Emergency in response, so that it could enforce evacuations.

Louise Whelan met Gordon Pendlebury through a mutual friend a few weeks after the fires in the Blue Mountains. Louise visited him at the site of his burnt out property in Yellow Rock near Springwood on 13 November 2013. He related to Louise his experience of the fire, and the loss of his home and workshop and collection of cars. Louise also photographed Gordon’s burnt out property.

The second interview took place in Gordon's new home in Yellow Rock about 18 months after the fires. Louise photographed Gordon in his new shed and home, and amongst the ruins of his old shed.

FILE 1
Gordon Pendlebury interview and photographs by Louise Whelan, 13 November 2013

FILE 2
Gordon Pendlebury follow up interview and photographs by Louise Whelan, 21 March 2015

Copyright status:: In copyright
Copyright holder:: State Library of New South Wales
Rights and Restrictions Information:: Download available for research, personal use and public use.
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales