The kitchen at Elizabeth Farm. Photo © James Horan
There’s much to celebrate this month, from the launch of Sydney Living Museums: Food, through to ongoing preparations for our exhibition – PLUS we’ve been shortlisted for another award! It’s a banquet of events that celebrates Sydney’s food history – and you’re invited!
Cooking at 'Redcoats and Convicts' at Hyde Park Barracks. Photo © Leo Rocker
While we continue fine dining with the Macleays at Elizabeth Bay House, other activities at Sydney Living Museums this month whet the appetite with a chance to experience convict life at Hyde Park Barracks, a glimpse of Sydney’s domestic underbelly at the Justice & Police Museum, and a taste of early Parramatta and colonial gastronomy at Elizabeth Farm. Continue reading
A plate of Tot's lemon biscuits at Meroogal.. Photo Scott Hill © Sydney Living Museums
Our houses have been home to thousands of residents, and of course, hundreds of Mothers! For Mothers’ Day this year, Meroogal is hosting a very special afternoon tea and Mums can visit our houses and museums for free. Continue reading
View through the drawing room closet at Elizabeth Farm. Photo © Paolo Busato
Visitors to Elizabeth Farm this Sunday 7 April will have the opportunity to make curry powder from a Jane Austen family recipe as part of a Regency-inspired Vintage Sunday, the first of a new series of programs that take you back in time, to enjoy the simplicity of a by-gone era. Continue reading
Detail of a samovar spout, part of a table setting created at Elizabeth Farm. Photo © Paolo Busato
‘Gunpowder, caper and twanky’ – what on earth were the Macarthurs drinking? With Vintage Sundays: Regency taking place this Sunday at Elizabeth Farm, we thought we’d have a taste of tea varieties that were popular in the 1810s and 20s. Continue reading
'Scullery maid' Anna making bread. Photo Scott Hill © HHT
Getting into convict wear and kneading dough for a (very) early start last week gave us the opportunity to road test one of Isabella Beeton’s more obscure pieces of advice. Continue reading
Lemons, loaf sugar and sugar nips. Photo © James Horan
While the Curator has been pulling punches, colonial style, I’ve been busy with the more delicate art of cordial making. Continue reading
The Museum of Sydney and Edge of the Trees by Janet Laurence. Photo © Brett Boardman
February’s focus is Museum of Sydney – MoS to locals – and the site it occupies, which was where the colony’s first Government House was located. Continue reading
The residence of John McArthur Esq [Elizabeth Farm] (detail), Jospeh Lycett, 1825. Elizabeth Farm Collection, Historic Houses Trust
Art, archaeology and a cook’s curiosity all add up to the conclusion that the Macarthurs were smoking more than just tobacco at Elizabeth Farm. Continue reading
Eel dish at Rouse Hill House & Farm. Photo Jacqui Newling © HHT
In addition to their farmed produce, the Macarthurs had access to a variety of local delicacies. They employed a huntsman who, according to Elizabeth, furnished their table with wild ducks and kangaroos to the tune of 300lbs (135kg) per week! Continue reading