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A Year with Wendy Whiteley
We sit at the table, opposite each other, a tape recorder and a microphone between us, and I begin by saying that I don’t want to start with Brett.
‘That’s a good idea.’ Wendy looks at me and smiles. ‘I didn’t start with Brett.’
These days Wendy Whiteley is a legendary figure in the art world, the keeper of the Brett Whiteley legacy, best known for creating the Secret Garden on the land below her house on Sydney Harbour. But before she met Brett, Wendy was herself a budding artist; her creative work ever since has been under-recognised.
Wendy is a survivor: of drug dependence, bitter divorce, the deaths of Brett and their beloved daughter, Arkie. More than that, she is a remarkable figure whose life has had its own contours and priorities. Now in her early eighties—reflective yet outspoken, with a dry wit—she has much to tell about it.
The product of many hours of candid conversations at the kitchen table in Lavender Bay with acclaimed Brett Whiteley biographer Ashleigh Wilson, and supplemented by extensive research and interviews with others, this is the unforgettable story of Wendy’s life.
‘That’s a good idea.’ Wendy looks at me and smiles. ‘I didn’t start with Brett.’
These days Wendy Whiteley is a legendary figure in the art world, the keeper of the Brett Whiteley legacy, best known for creating the Secret Garden on the land below her house on Sydney Harbour. But before she met Brett, Wendy was herself a budding artist; her creative work ever since has been under-recognised.
Wendy is a survivor: of drug dependence, bitter divorce, the deaths of Brett and their beloved daughter, Arkie. More than that, she is a remarkable figure whose life has had its own contours and priorities. Now in her early eighties—reflective yet outspoken, with a dry wit—she has much to tell about it.
The product of many hours of candid conversations at the kitchen table in Lavender Bay with acclaimed Brett Whiteley biographer Ashleigh Wilson, and supplemented by extensive research and interviews with others, this is the unforgettable story of Wendy’s life.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
304 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 22, 2023
While I was in Sydney over Christmas, I was taken to Wendy Whiteley’s Garden in Lavender Bay. This is a lush pocket of public land near the harbour that is lovingly tended by a band of volunteers under the direction of Wendy Whiteley. When I returned to Melbourne I decided to learn more about this remarkable woman.
Now in her eighties, Wendy has lived much of her life in the shadow of her late ex husband, Australian artist Brett Whiteley. Wendy is one of the primary custodians of Brett’s legacy along with the Art Gallery of NSW however she is a talented artist, designer and stylist in her own right. Brett was reluctant to let Wendy develop her art so she had many years where she was inactive as an artist. She spent her years supporting Brett and raising their only child, Arkie.
Much has been made of Brett and Wendy’s drug use which significantly diminishes their achievements and contributions to Australia’s creative culture. Wendy has led a very productive and interesting life. With the deaths of both Brett and Arkie, Wendy finally came to the fore creating the beautiful garden as a legacy to Australians.
In this book Wendy speaks frankly about her life and work. The author, arts journalist Ashleigh Wilson is never intrusive and gently prompts Wendy to share stories of her very interesting life. Towards the end of the book Wendy states she is ‘bored and needs a new project’. I will be interested to see if Wendy is inspired to undertake something new. Whether she does or not, her gift of the magical garden will live on long after she is gone.
2023 Nonfiction Reader Challenge - Memoir/Biography
Now in her eighties, Wendy has lived much of her life in the shadow of her late ex husband, Australian artist Brett Whiteley. Wendy is one of the primary custodians of Brett’s legacy along with the Art Gallery of NSW however she is a talented artist, designer and stylist in her own right. Brett was reluctant to let Wendy develop her art so she had many years where she was inactive as an artist. She spent her years supporting Brett and raising their only child, Arkie.
Much has been made of Brett and Wendy’s drug use which significantly diminishes their achievements and contributions to Australia’s creative culture. Wendy has led a very productive and interesting life. With the deaths of both Brett and Arkie, Wendy finally came to the fore creating the beautiful garden as a legacy to Australians.
In this book Wendy speaks frankly about her life and work. The author, arts journalist Ashleigh Wilson is never intrusive and gently prompts Wendy to share stories of her very interesting life. Towards the end of the book Wendy states she is ‘bored and needs a new project’. I will be interested to see if Wendy is inspired to undertake something new. Whether she does or not, her gift of the magical garden will live on long after she is gone.
2023 Nonfiction Reader Challenge - Memoir/Biography
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April 21, 2023The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of A Year with Wendy Whiteley
‘A gift of a book. A rare insight into an extraordinary woman in her own right. Wise, painful, illuminating: a narrative of resilience and hope. I have so many friends I want to give this beautiful book to.’
Nikki Gemmell
‘This astonishing, glorious book reveals Wendy Whiteley as she really is—an artist in her own right, a unique personality. Wendy tells the truth: she made a garden for Australia. And found the right person to tell her amazing story.’
Miriam Margolyes
‘Wendy is incisive, opinionated and totally loveable. She cuts to the chase, carrying her vision and creativity wherever she goes. Her approach has always been boots, secateurs, shovel and all. This book is a hidden treasure, filled with unexpected lessons on everything that life has to offer. Wendy’s garden may be secret but A Year with Wendy Whiteley reveals the blueprint behind her embrace of life.’
Costa Georgiadis
‘Reflective yet compellingly frank.’
Rosemary Neill, Australian
‘A Year with Wendy Whiteley is the story of an incredible woman who was so much more than the cool girl hanging out with the bad boy. She is a hypnotic artist, who was able to give full expression to her own creativity when she came out from under the shadow of Brett and into the sunshine of her own secret garden.’
Readings
‘The two discuss everything from mortality and grief to celebrity and the art market. Whiteley is wise and candid, and Wilson is a fine interviewer.’
Sian Cain, Guardian
‘A marvellous window into an Australian life, a creative life, an important life.’
Andy Park, ABC RN Drawing Room
‘Wilson’s time with Whiteley allows him to paint detailed brushstrokes of her life…The overall effect is a beautiful portrait of an Australian icon who, despite not seeking the spotlight, fell into it nonetheless; her own artistic ambitions growing in the midst of tragedy and grief, and finding new forms, such as her secret garden.’
Cherie Gilmour, ArtsHub
‘An insight into the pain and pleasures of an extraordinarily creative life and the resilience and passions that sometimes fire her soul.’
Australian Women’s Weekly
‘An engrossing picture of the subject’s life…[A Year with Wendy Whiteley] tells an absorbing story.’
Chloe Wolifson, Sydney Morning Herald
‘The exchanges between Whiteley and author Ashleigh Wilson grow gradually and organically to form an engrossing picture. Like a garden, this is a story featuring elements that push upwards into the light, shadowy layers nearly obscured by time, and paths leading to unexpected places.’
PS News
‘A gift of a book. A rare insight into an extraordinary woman in her own right. Wise, painful, illuminating: a narrative of resilience and hope. I have so many friends I want to give this beautiful book to.’
Nikki Gemmell
‘This astonishing, glorious book reveals Wendy Whiteley as she really is—an artist in her own right, a unique personality. Wendy tells the truth: she made a garden for Australia. And found the right person to tell her amazing story.’
Miriam Margolyes
‘Wendy is incisive, opinionated and totally loveable. She cuts to the chase, carrying her vision and creativity wherever she goes. Her approach has always been boots, secateurs, shovel and all. This book is a hidden treasure, filled with unexpected lessons on everything that life has to offer. Wendy’s garden may be secret but A Year with Wendy Whiteley reveals the blueprint behind her embrace of life.’
Costa Georgiadis
‘Reflective yet compellingly frank.’
Rosemary Neill, Australian
‘A Year with Wendy Whiteley is the story of an incredible woman who was so much more than the cool girl hanging out with the bad boy. She is a hypnotic artist, who was able to give full expression to her own creativity when she came out from under the shadow of Brett and into the sunshine of her own secret garden.’
Readings
‘The two discuss everything from mortality and grief to celebrity and the art market. Whiteley is wise and candid, and Wilson is a fine interviewer.’
Sian Cain, Guardian
‘A marvellous window into an Australian life, a creative life, an important life.’
Andy Park, ABC RN Drawing Room
‘Wilson’s time with Whiteley allows him to paint detailed brushstrokes of her life…The overall effect is a beautiful portrait of an Australian icon who, despite not seeking the spotlight, fell into it nonetheless; her own artistic ambitions growing in the midst of tragedy and grief, and finding new forms, such as her secret garden.’
Cherie Gilmour, ArtsHub
‘An insight into the pain and pleasures of an extraordinarily creative life and the resilience and passions that sometimes fire her soul.’
Australian Women’s Weekly
‘An engrossing picture of the subject’s life…[A Year with Wendy Whiteley] tells an absorbing story.’
Chloe Wolifson, Sydney Morning Herald
‘The exchanges between Whiteley and author Ashleigh Wilson grow gradually and organically to form an engrossing picture. Like a garden, this is a story featuring elements that push upwards into the light, shadowy layers nearly obscured by time, and paths leading to unexpected places.’
PS News
January 2, 2023
Wendy Whitley is the wonderful doyenne of the Australian art scene … she is above all else a strong independent individual who deserves our greatest respect. Ashleigh Wilson has done a wonderful job of bringing Wendy Whitley to us all in a sensitive but forthright manner.
June 1, 2023
Wendy Whitely, in her own right, is an artist and a muse to her own drumbeat. Whilst Brett may have shone for a particular time in that relationship for many years, Wendy’s skills, creativity, determination and passion was never tempered. The secret garden in Lavender Bay is obviously proof of this, but so is her style that she filtered through her little shop in New York, and her work as a fashion buyer, and her skills in curating Brett’s artworks and estate are phenomenal. This book touches on some of those darker and sadder times in losing loved ones along the way but it is carefully balanced with light snd dappled shadows that also are hoe to conversations and discussions that are unforeseen.
Like the garden that Wendy Whitely has created below her home in Lavender Bay, I feel like I am eavesdropping in a personal space. The conversations between Ashleigh and Wendy are intimate moments, and we are invited in to share in secrets that Wendy seemed very comfortable to share. The detailing in this book is just exquisite, and I feel that I am forever gliding from one room and space in her house and garden to another. The birds, the changing paintings on the wall, the layering of plants in the garden, the colours of Wendy’s headscarves all create such a textured landscape to her story, her life. Even the poor kookaburra that seems to crash into her window regularly is treated with a loving status and has a place and a moment to reminisce about.
I think this book really delivered something special: it allowed us to have a very unique glimpse into Wendy’s life and understand her influence, her power, her being and contribution to the world.
Like the garden that Wendy Whitely has created below her home in Lavender Bay, I feel like I am eavesdropping in a personal space. The conversations between Ashleigh and Wendy are intimate moments, and we are invited in to share in secrets that Wendy seemed very comfortable to share. The detailing in this book is just exquisite, and I feel that I am forever gliding from one room and space in her house and garden to another. The birds, the changing paintings on the wall, the layering of plants in the garden, the colours of Wendy’s headscarves all create such a textured landscape to her story, her life. Even the poor kookaburra that seems to crash into her window regularly is treated with a loving status and has a place and a moment to reminisce about.
I think this book really delivered something special: it allowed us to have a very unique glimpse into Wendy’s life and understand her influence, her power, her being and contribution to the world.
November 11, 2022
'Robust female role models, especially creative ones, were not easy to find'
This book, 'A Year with Wendy Whiteley, is incredibly well written by Ashleigh Wilson. An honest depiction of an outspoken Aussie woman, who is an artist, designer, survivor, creator, and muse. Janet Hawley scratched some of the surfaces with 'Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden' [also a highly recommended read], but Wilson dives deeper. If you think you know her story, I challenge you to find all the history within these pages.
‘The time has come to give women a bit of attention,
to quote Wendy. I was elated to find that Ashleigh Wilson, who wrote Brett Whiteley: Art, Life and the Other Thing, was able to touch on Brett Whiteley and the importance of his work, without allowing his presence to overshadow or derail the telling of Wendy's story.
'...I begin by saying that I don't want to start with Brett.
"That's a good idea." Wendy looks at me and smiles, "I didn't start with Brett."
Wilson managed to make some of the old and previously known information seem fresh and new, whilst uncovering new passages of untold truths.
Do yourself a favour, if you don't know who Wendy Whiteley is purchase this book from Text Publishing and find out. It is a must-read; I cannot put it down.
This book, 'A Year with Wendy Whiteley, is incredibly well written by Ashleigh Wilson. An honest depiction of an outspoken Aussie woman, who is an artist, designer, survivor, creator, and muse. Janet Hawley scratched some of the surfaces with 'Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden' [also a highly recommended read], but Wilson dives deeper. If you think you know her story, I challenge you to find all the history within these pages.
‘The time has come to give women a bit of attention,
to quote Wendy. I was elated to find that Ashleigh Wilson, who wrote Brett Whiteley: Art, Life and the Other Thing, was able to touch on Brett Whiteley and the importance of his work, without allowing his presence to overshadow or derail the telling of Wendy's story.
'...I begin by saying that I don't want to start with Brett.
"That's a good idea." Wendy looks at me and smiles, "I didn't start with Brett."
Wilson managed to make some of the old and previously known information seem fresh and new, whilst uncovering new passages of untold truths.
Do yourself a favour, if you don't know who Wendy Whiteley is purchase this book from Text Publishing and find out. It is a must-read; I cannot put it down.
January 12, 2023
A wonderful book, such a deep and personal look at an important Australian. I will admit to racing through it too quickly (library book due to be returned, and Christmas got in the way ) so I will read it again in the near future with more depth. Wendy is so much more than the wife of Brett, and interesting that so many know her for her wonderful not-so-Secret Garden not for Brett. I also admit to crying reading the Arkie chapter. I remember seeing her at an opening at the BW Gallery in Surry Hills, her absolute luminance, her shine, her beauty. She remains the most wonderfully beautiful woman I have ever seen. I was distraught when she died. That Wendy has continued her life and her sobriety after such a blow is testament to her strength of character. Highly recommend.
April 4, 2023
I stepped into this book with my only introduction to Wendy Whitely being Wilson's article in Good Weekend, Wendy Whiteley on life, death and why she doesn’t paint. I had heard of Wendy's Secret Garden reccomended as a spot for solitude, dates and enjoying views of the harbour but was unaware of Wendy or Brett's careers I loved reading this and enjoyed every moment of getting to know about the woman and story behind the Lavender Bay garden. During my reading I visited Lavender Bay for the first time, scouring sites mentioned in the book as well as attended Whitely and Wilson's talk at All About Women in the Sydney Opera House.
May 29, 2023
A worthy biography of an amazing woman, artist and Australian. I came across the Lavender Bay garden soon after Wendy first began work on it. Over the years, I've been so impressed what she has added to Sydney's harbourside - a haven of nature, beauty and peace. As a long time fan of Brett's work, I had read of their lives up to that point and had visited the Surry Hills studio, so I was well aware of Wendy's artistic ability as well as her business capability. I'm delighted to see that this biography tells her tale with compassion, comprehension, humour and humanity. Accompanied by a selection of meaningful photos, this biography brings to life a very special human being.
March 25, 2024
I enjoyed learning more about this amazing lady, wife of Brett Whitely .. but so much more. Based on a year's worth of chats over the kitchen table at Wendy's Lavender Bay home she described her exciting but tumultuous marriage to Brett, the birth, life and death of their daughter and the life and legacy that she is now left with.
When interviewed she was in her 80s and is most famous, in her own right, as the creator of the Secret Garden on public land adjoining her property.... it is now on my bucket list to get there.
When interviewed she was in her 80s and is most famous, in her own right, as the creator of the Secret Garden on public land adjoining her property.... it is now on my bucket list to get there.
January 21, 2024
Wendy Whiteley’s garden is in Sydney in Lavender in the midst of the city by the harbour. It was carved and created in an unused part of the railway yard amongst the weeds and rubbish. It was hard toil and helped her to recover from the death of her famous artist husband Brett Whiteley and her only daughter Archie. It is a poignant memory of her life in Sydney amongst her friends, the art community and the drug scene at the time. Interesting if you live in Sydney.
May 28, 2024
I saw this book displayed in the Brett Whiteley studio in Surry Hills when we visited there recently. I was drawn to Wendy's story rather than Brett's.
The strength of this book - besides the fascinating story of Wendy's life - is it's structure. Telling her story in themes rather than a chronological history allows the reader to connect with Wendy on a much deeper level. I thank the author and Wendy for including us in their year.
The strength of this book - besides the fascinating story of Wendy's life - is it's structure. Telling her story in themes rather than a chronological history allows the reader to connect with Wendy on a much deeper level. I thank the author and Wendy for including us in their year.
May 27, 2023
Quite an interesting read as I didn’t know much about Wendy Whitely - only that her husband was a famous painter and that she had created a beautiful public garden. In some ways her story is somewhat sad having lost her husband and daughter - her husband to drug use and daughter to cancer. She does however have a very full life and as she confesses herself one of freedom.
March 7, 2023
Very interesting life story.
October 22, 2023
This is a beautiful book. I loved getting to know more about Wendy ❤️
January 7, 2023
“There's always been art. A lifetime of looking at art, reading about art, becoming art. A lifetime of talking, thinking, making, praising, loving, studying, condemning, curating, selling, buying, hanging, sharing, watching. Sometimes it all feels a bit exhausting, like a long day in the corridors of the Uffizi. But this is a breadth of experience that has left Wendy with strong opinions and a considerable vault of knowledge.
Much has changed in the art world since she first set out with her restless, curly-haired boyfriend to learn about its history and its latest trends- there's a lot more money being spent on art, for one thing - but much has stayed the same.”
Much has changed in the art world since she first set out with her restless, curly-haired boyfriend to learn about its history and its latest trends- there's a lot more money being spent on art, for one thing - but much has stayed the same.”
January 20, 2023
Like sitting in a conversation, but not participating. Would have liked to have asked questions myself, just to go a bit deeper.
There is a lot about, art, drugs, addiction and the garden. The garden is fascinating. Shame there weren’t more photos.
The discussion of legacy and what happens in the future is thought provoking. With such treasures as these, they need to be preserved.
There is a lot about, art, drugs, addiction and the garden. The garden is fascinating. Shame there weren’t more photos.
The discussion of legacy and what happens in the future is thought provoking. With such treasures as these, they need to be preserved.
January 3, 2023
This book reveals Wendy, not Wendy and Brett. Despite all the upheavals in Wendy's life she survived and created a wonderous garden for the people of Sydney.
January 14, 2023
good overview of an interesting life
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews