It would be an oversight to visit the Tweed Valley in Northern NSW and not put the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre on your itinerary. This gallery showcases local and international artists and offers excellent wheelchair accessibility throughout. Housed in a modern building that takes full advantage of its location with windows framing nature’s art outside, the stunning Wollumbin/Mt Warning. It’s a lovely relaxing spot to while away time admiring the art and stopping for lunch in the cafe.
Tweed Regional Gallery
While I was staying at the fabulously accessible Mt Warning Estate in Murwillumbah I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon at the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre. It’s a beautiful creative space which offers ease of access for visitors in a glorious Tweed Valley location.
If time allows, and you are visiting the gallery on a Wednesday, Friday or Sunday, take advantage of one of the free guided tours which start from just inside the entrance at 11.30am. Our guide provided an informative and interesting tour which I thoroughly enjoyed. Bookings are not required for four people or less. Groups of 10 or more do need to book in advance on 02 66702790 or via email [email protected]
Art & Dementia Program
I was thrilled to learn that The Tweed Regional Gallery offers an Art & Dementia program. I don’t think carers and people with dementia have enough opportunities to engage meaningfully within the community, so I was particularly happy to learn about this program.
Here’s what’s on in February as an example of what is offered. On February 22nd 2023 10-1130am participants in the program will have the opportunity to explore the Margaret Olley: The Art of Flowers exhibition using sight, touch and smell in a dementia care program that has been designed to stimulate connection and discussion.
Even if you don’t have plans to travel to the Tweed Region in the near future, you are able to access The Tweed Regional Gallery’s art’s program. The gallery offers a wonderful range of online programs which are free. Join in online by visiting the gallery’s website.
The Margaret Olley Art Centre
I enjoyed my visit to all areas of the Tweed Regional Gallery but I was somewhat focused on The Margaret Olley Art Centre. My mum followed Margaret’s career closely and had a keen interest in hearing news of my visit. Over the years mum has shared stories about Margaret, so although I am no art aficionado, I was keen to see her art and the recreation of her studio.
The Margaret Olley Art Centre is a wonderful celebration of the artist’s life and work. Visitors can enjoy a range of Margaret’s art but perhaps the most fascinating and unique element of the Art Centre is the recreation of Margaret Olley’s studio from her Paddington home.
Even after seeing a time-lapse video documenting the process of packing up Margaret’s studio and recreating it piece by piece in the Tweed Valley, I still can’t fathom the effort that was involved. More than 20,000 items were painstakingly removed from her Paddington home and placed exactly as they were in the recreated studio in the Tweed Valley. Architectural elements such as windows and doors were also relocated.
There is a quote from Margaret Olley which says, “I’ve never liked housework. I get by doing little chores when I feel like them, in between painting. Who wants to chase dust all their life? You can spend your whole lifetime cleaning the house. I like watching the patina grow. If the house looks dirty, buy another bunch of flowers, is my advice.” Perhaps that’s how Margaret was so successful in producing so many beautiful pieces of art and perhaps, the overwhelming amount of treasures in her house defeated her when it came to dusting. Either way, it’s simply fascinating getting a glimpse into the life of Margaret Olley.
After perusing the art, the Apex Cafe, located onsite, is the perfect spot to sit and admire the Tweed Valley. Time constraints didn’t allow me to linger long enough to dine in, but I recommend building time into your itinerary to do so. Just look at that view.
I am always on the look out for unique gifts so I did find a minute to pop into the shop in the foyer of the gallery.
Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre – accessibility
The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre offers excellent wheelchair accessibility throughout.
A lift provides easy access from the accessible undercover parking bays to the gallery.
Several accessible parking bays are available under the building or guests with a mobility restriction can be take advantage of the drop off bay at the entrance of the gallery.
Spacious rooms with seating house the artworks throughout gallery. Wide passage-ways link the various galleries and the spaces are step and barrier free.
In the Margaret Olley Art Centre the perspex barriers keep the area safe from curious fingers but because they are clear, they ensure that guests of any height are able to have a clear view.
An accessible unisex stand-alone bathroom is available within the gallery.
The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre was a highlight of my time in the Tweed Valley. I loved everything about it but of course I was particularly thrilled to find just how accessible it is. Pop it on your must-visit list when you are next in the region.
You can research your visit on The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre website.
Accessible accommodation in The Tweed
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