Nestled among the rolling hills and eucalyptus trees of Eltham, Victoria, Montsalvat is more than just a historic artists’ colony — it’s a living testament to a way of life that embraced creativity, community, and connection to the land.

Founded in the 1930s by artist and architect Justus Jörgensen, Montsalvat was envisioned as a place where artists could live and work together in harmony with their environment. The result was a village of handmade buildings inspired by medieval European architecture — built using earth, stone, and recycled materials sourced from the surrounding land.

The Origins of Earth Building in Eltham

The tradition of mudbrick building in Eltham has deep roots. By the early 20th century, the area had attracted artists, writers, and bohemians who were drawn to its natural beauty, affordability, and distance from the conventions of city life. But this bushland lifestyle came with practical challenges — most notably, a lack of access to conventional building materials.

Faced with economic constraints and a desire to tread lightly on the land, early settlers and artists in Eltham began using earth-based materials to construct their homes and studios. Mudbrick — made from clay, silt, sand, and straw — became the material of choice. It was cheap, durable, fire-resistant, and could be made by hand on-site.

This approach aligned perfectly with the Arts and Crafts movement, which celebrated handcraftsmanship, simplicity, and natural materials. It also suited the progressive ideals of the growing artist community — building with mudbrick was not just about shelter, but about philosophy and practice: a return to the earth, sustainability, and collective effort.

Montsalvat: Building with Mud, Stone, and Spirit

When Justus Jörgensen purchased the land that would become Montsalvat, he embraced this tradition wholeheartedly. With the help of fellow artists, students, and local volunteers, he began building the Montsalvat complex in 1934. The mudbrick structures — including studios, halls, cottages, and galleries — were handcrafted using locally dug earth, recycled timbers, and salvaged windows and tiles from demolished Melbourne buildings.

Mudbrick became both a symbol and substance of Montsalvat: malleable, imperfect, and deeply human.

Today, Montsalvat remains one of the most significant examples of earth building in Australia, embodying a unique blend of European influence and Australian ingenuity.

Mudbrick Restoration Part 2 – Wall Repairs

In keeping with this legacy, the Women of Montsalvat project is now breathing new life into the very walls that hold Montsalvat’s stories. Artists Amanda Grant (@amandagrant_studio) and Cath Rutten (@singingherspace) are leading the second phase of mudbrick restoration, focusing on the Sculpture Studio and adjoining storage room.

Using recycled mudbricks, lime, and water, Amanda and Cath are carefully repairing cracks and reinforcing the walls — all in preparation for a fresh render. Their process honours the same earth-based techniques used by Jörgensen and his community nearly a century ago, grounded in sustainability, skill, and reverence for place.

What makes this project especially meaningful is its context: the Sculpture Studio they’re restoring will also become the creative heart of the Women of Montsalvat project, a space where new sculptural works will be conceived and crafted in honour of the many women — artists, builders, carers, and custodians — who helped shape Montsalvat.

Witness the Final Stage: Live at the Spring Gathering

The final stage of the restoration — a limewash finish — will take place during Montsalvat’s Spring Gathering on September 28th. This is more than just a restoration milestone — it’s a public celebration and demonstration of traditional mudbrick craft in action.

Visitors are invited to see the techniques firsthand and connect with the living tradition of earth building — one that continues to evolve while staying rooted in Montsalvat’s storied past.

You can join the artists and mudbuilders in celebrating heritage, hands-on creativity, and the enduring legacy of women in Montsalvat’s story.

📅 Montsalvat Spring Gathering
🗓️ September 28th
📍 Montsalvat Arts Centre, Eltham
🔗 @amandagrant_studio