December 23, 2013
Wondai’s Anzac Day commemorations and local fund-raising efforts for Legacy both received a boost on Saturday when the Wondai Hotel and Cellars officially unveiled the “Wondai Chloe”.
Wondai Chloe is the only known copy of the iconic painting from Melbourne’s Young & Jackson Hotel, which has seen tens of thousands of diggers off to two World Wars and many other conflicts over the last century, then welcomed them home on their return.
Wondai Hotel owners Michael and Jessica Beohm commissioned Sunshine Coast artist Jan Lewis to paint the artwork after being introduced to her talents by Wondai Regional Art Gallery curator Elaine Madill.
“My grandfather was a Gallipoli veteran and he ‘had a drink with Chloe’ at Young & Jackson’s before being shipped off overseas. So this picture has always held a special place in my family’s history,” Jessia Beohm told the small crowd who gathered for the unveiling ceremony at noon.
“When Michael and I bought this hotel, we wanted to put something special into it which would be a gift to the town and bring something unique to the area.
“But we also wanted something that was appropriate for a 110-year-old building.
“Elaine introduced us to Jan who has a special skill at making copies of old masters, and you can see the results here today.”
Acting South Burnett Mayor Cr Keith Campbell – who performed the opening ceremony – congratulated the couple on their vision.
“Michael and Jessica have told me that they’ll be putting a collection box for Legacy at the foot of the painting, and everyone who wants to have a drink with Chloe will be encouraged to put something in the box to help this great charity,” he said.
“My fellow councillor Barry Green once observed that he’d never been offended by naked woman, and I don’t think anyone who sees this beautiful painting would be either.”
Artist Jan Lewis said the sheer size of the oil painting had caused some problems.
These included finding backing boards big enough to mount the work on; getting its gilt frame built; needing to climb on tables or ladders to paint parts of the work; and the difficulty of transporting it from one location to another.
All up, the painting took four months to complete.
The work is now on permanent display in the hotel’s dining room.
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