Hilda Geraldine Leviny was the youngest daughter of Ernest Leviny, a notable colonial silversmith, and his wife, Bertha. Although never married, Hilda lived away from the family home, Buda, for almost 30 years, not returning permanently until she was in her early 50s.
Hilda studied art subjects as well as woodcarving and needlework and had a particular aptitude for embroidery. She exhibited three pieces in the First Australian Exhibition of Women’s Work 1907, including a three-panelled draught screen with hand embroidered and appliquéd panels which is on display at Buda.
In 1906 Hilda studied at the Domestic Science College and then worked as a bursar at Merton Hall for three years. She then took up a position as Matron at Grimwade House, the preparatory school for Melbourne Grammar, where she stayed for 15 years. In 1929, she became Matron at the Women’s College in the University of Sydney, where she remained for a further 7 years.
Hilda enjoyed travel. Her trips, between 1912 and 1939, included Ceylon, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, England, America, and Europe, including Hungary, the homeland of her father. It was largely through her efforts that the Buda Museum exists today. She sold the house to the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum in 1970 on the proviso that she could live out her days at Buda. She died eleven years later in 1981, aged 98. (SOURCE: Culture Victoria: Goldfield Stories, The Leviny Sisters)
- Writers:
- Staff Writer
fulleg
- Date written:
- 1995
- Last updated:
- 2015
