Ena MacFarlane's

This striking series of watercolour sketches tells the story of Australian Icon Edward 'Ned' Kelly. Ned is the nation's best-known bushranger. With his gang, he killed three policemen at Stringybark Creek, robbed banks and led the authorities on a merry chase around north eastern Victoria and southern New South Wales. At Glenrowan in June 1880, the gang decided on a grand confrontation. Clad in heavy armour made from plough-share blades, they held up the town waiting for police and black-trackers to arrive . . . That enduring image of desperate young men in armour lingers in the national imagination. Ena MacFarlane became fascinated by Ned's background of poverty and the sad circumstances leading to him being outlawed. She painted this non-controversial series by concentrating on the homes and countryside of his youth. These sketches, although painted many years ago, provide sometimes haunting images that 'retell' the Kelly story in an exciting new way.   There were so many obstacles to be overcome by this '80's something' artist. Some sites are  on jealously guarded private property, others difficult to pinpoint, locate and reach. Ena painted on irregardless and with great  personal determination . . . And then, despite these many difficulties, all this effort led to Ena MacFarlane's own lasting interpretation of 'The true story of Ned Kelly'.

 
 
 
 

House built by Ned's father at Beveridge, Victoria

Ned Kelly spent his boyhood in this  1850s house at Beveridge now on the outskirts of Metropolitan Melbourne. Dilapidated, the house still stands today.

 

Typical Kelly country near old Greta.

Captured here in late summer, the  subdued hues of rural Australia hide the magnificent sweep of the  countryside. Both here, and in the  fastnesses of the hills and Alpine country, the Kelly Gang eluded  police search parties.

 

Power's Lookout near Whitfield, Victoria

Overlooking the scenic Glenmore valley, with panoramic views of  Victoria's Alpine district,  Bushranger Harry Power and his young apprentice Ned Kelly kept watch from here for police patrols.

 

King River at dusk.

The Kellys washed for gold in the  King River south of Wangarratta. Ned later sought funds for his  mother's legal defence, by  washing for gold at Bullock Creek near Mansfield, and distilling illicit Irish whisky nearby, as a result of the 'wounding' of Constable  Fitzpatrick, which took place at the Kelly homstead (below).

 

Ruins of Kelly home at Lurg near Greta, Victoria.

The 2nd of two of mother Ellen  Kelly's homes in the Parish of  Lurg at Eleven Mile Creek. All that is left of the home is two brick chimneys added by a later owner of the rough homestead. Dramatic events occurred on  this site, frequently visited by  police on the lookout for Ned or his brother Dan.

 

House near Glenrowan said to have been built

by Ned and Dan Kelly.

In the period before the wild  gunfight at Stringybark Creek, Ned Kelly tried to 'go straght'.  With brother Dan, he helped build this pink granite house  which stills stands. Somehow, the 1876 home symbolises the many positive aspects of the Kelly brothers despite the  poverty of their upbringing  and constant police attention.

 

Stringybark Creek.

Barely more than a trickle, Stringy-bark Creek provided  water sufficient for a small police encampment search- ing for the Kelly Gang. They  were surprised, and three  of the four police were shot and killed by the gang in  October 1878.

 

An unusual view of the wing of Old  Melbourne Gaol where Ned Kelly  was executed in 1880. His mother Ellen was also imprisoned there  when the execution took place.

 

 

TERMS OF SALE   These watercolours are for sale as a series. They were passed in at auction by reknowned auction house--Christie's in Melbourne--on 27 March 2002. The estimated value of the series then  was $A 6000-8000 (see Christie's catalogue 26 March 2002). Described as 'highly  evocative and atmospheric watercolours of Kelly country', the drawings were then available for viewing at Christie's at  1 Darling Street, South Yarra, in Melbourne. At a sale which was 'slow', the series was passed in when bidding closed at $ 5500. Since then the series has been stored in optimal, archival conditions, without exposure to light or atmospheric conditions. It is there- fore in 'as painted' condition.      Now - you are welcome to make an offer for this handsome series by contacting this  website. This is a unique opportunity to own a series that will only grow in value. Series of  'Kelly' paintings and sketches are exceedingly rare. Ena MacFarlane has done one other view each of the view from Power's Lookout and of Stringybark Creek. These can be purchased separately for US $ 500 each...   Please note: Sketches are on quarter  imperial artpaper (11 x 15 inches).  Colours may vary slightly from the illustrations you have seen on this  website, due to photographic and scanning processes, and variations in internet browser palette settings. The sketches are sold mounted but not framed to allow the purchaser to  add to the uniqueness of the series in his or her own personal way. The buyer can elect that the paintings be delivered by arrangement, or rolled in a protective tube. The series would also suit corporate buyers seeking a non-controversial way of celebrat- ing a distinctly Australian flavoured National Legend. The series represents a unique art investment opportunity. Viewings of this series can be arranged, but conditions may apply. Sir Sidney Nolan's well known earlier series has been split up among several galleries. It is important to Ena MacFarlane that her series remains intact as an integrated unit. Purchase is outright, enabling the  purchaser to use the series for calendars, greeting cards, logos, or any other commercial purposes. Contact:

 

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