At Home with the Spartali Family

Research into the history of her private Island residence opened a door for Susan Weeks into a forgotten past that had been locked away for over a century.

Susan reveals the untold story of her Victorian home at Sandford House which was formerly the country seat of its original owner The Spartali Family.

Her presentation describes their lives and widespread Island connections, focusing most especially on that of Marie Spartali, daughter of the house, whose own pioneering career made her arguably the greatest female artist painting in the Pre Raphaelite style. Being labelled “a stunner” Marie became the popular choice as both model and muse for many famous names including Dimbola’s very own Julia Margaret Cameron.

Susans extensive research brings us up the present day and a unique family reunion.