Brett Whiteley House

The Brett Whiteley House is a 1905 Federation-style residence in Lavender Bay featuring large windows positioned to capture harbour views. The building contains several art studio spaces arranged across different levels where the artist worked.

The building was constructed at the turn of the 20th century and was initially divided into separate apartments. Whiteley and his wife Wendy moved in during 1969 following their return from abroad and reunified the spaces into a single home.

This residence became inseparable from Brett Whiteley's artistic practice, with visitors sensing how the location shaped his creative output over decades. The spaces reveal how daily life and artistic work were intertwined in his practice.

The studio spaces receive the best natural light in the morning and early afternoon when sun streams through the large windows. Plan to spend time moving between the different levels, as the rooms are compact and worth exploring thoroughly.

Whiteley created one of his most celebrated paintings here, a Self Portrait in the Studio from 1976 that won the Archibald Prize. This work captures him directly within his workspace and became emblematic of his artistic existence at this location.