The Wire

One of Australia’s most consistently successful satarists Barry Humphries says of the writer Patrick White: “I think Patrick was a great artist because he discerned the extraordinary within the ordinary. If Patrick had lived a comfortable and accepted life in Europe his books would not have been nearly as good” In a bid to purchase the former residence of writer Patrick White, The National Trust of Australia has set up the Patrick White House Appeal. The NSW Premier Bob Carr has already rejected the idea of government funds being used to buy the site, so the Trust is seeking public donations. David Jobling asked C.E.O. of The National Trust in NSW, Elsa Aitkin, what the Trust actually do and why Patrick White’s former residence is considered worthy.

National Trust establishes Patrick White House appeal