Bringing Brett Whiteley's studio back to life — with Wendy Whiteley

A rundown t-shirt factory in Sydney's Surry Hills became the studio and home where Australian artist Brett Whiteley would spend the final years of his life. Now an art gallery, the building has recently reopened after an extensive two-year restoration, with a new exhibition celebrating Whiteley's life and legacy, Coming Home, featuring his artworks and personal items. His former wife, muse and champion, Wendy Whiteley, reflects on the history of the studio, her life with Brett Whiteley, and his artistic practice.

This event was recorded at Brett Whiteley's Studio for Art Gallery of New South Wales on 24 July 2026.

Speakers

Wendy Whiteley

Creator of Wendy's Secret Garden, Lavender Bay, artist, and former wife and muse of Brett Whiteley

Wayne Tunnicliffe (host)

Director of collections and exhibitions, Art Gallery of New South Wales