Mill House

BOOKINGS OPEN AT 12 PM ON THURSDAY, 8 FEBURARY 2024

Architect/s: Unknown,

Mill: (1850) | Alterations: Thomson & Cookney (1857) | Conversion: House and Studio (1920)

The house was originally built in 1856 as a steam-powered flour mill run by George Gunning Burn, and later became a butter factory operated by the Nichols family. The derelict property was purchased by artists John and Dorothea (nee Barclay) Eldershaw in the early 1920s and converted into a home and studio – the old boiler still remains visible below the house, embedded in the riverbank beside Richmond Bridge.

The Eldershaws lived in Richmond for nearly 20 years, with John painting prolifically throughout the state. The Mill was subsequently bought by the the Ekins family, who established a significant garden, which has been enhanced by later owners. Many features of the building’s industrial past have been retained, providing visitors with a glimpse into past construction practices and mill operation. The current owners, Sue and Rob Sutcliffe purchased the property in 2015.

Open: Friday 23, Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 February, 10 am – 4pm

Note: This is a general open; however, you must register to attend the property.

Access: steps at entrance. Stairs to upper levels.

Open House Richmond Experience: Celebrating the significant contribution made by John Eldershaw to the building and the nation’s cultural heritage through his artwork, an exhibition of Eldershaw watercolours made during the period he owned Mill House will be exhibited. The exhibition is made possible through the loan of five paintings from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery collection and paintings from private collections.