Helen Haenke remembered at Rockton

The creative life of artist and writer Helen Haenke (1916-1978) was celebrated on Sunday at the historic home Rockton in Ipswich.

University of Queensland Honorary Senior Research Fellow Dr Bronwen Levy led a conversation about Ms Haenke’s works and life with Ms Haenke’s daughter Margot Rayner and local Ipswich resident and drama teacher Helen Pullar. 

Dr Levy said Helen Haenke was an influential figure in Ipswich from the 1940s until her death.

“She lived in the historic house Rockton, and Haenke’s poetry, short stories and paintings reflected her life there,” Dr Levy said.

“Helen drew inspiration from the world around her, from what she saw beyond the Rockton window.

“She was a lively presence in literary and dramatic circles in Ipswich and South East Queensland.

“Her fresh, surprising works provide keenly felt observations by a woman artist who was always just that little bit ahead of her time.”

The event coincides with the release of a new book Helen Haenke at Rockton: A Creative Life (University of Queensland Press, 2017).

Dr Levy said the book brought a vibrant writer and artist to a contemporary audience. 

The event was supported by Ipswich City Council, University of Queensland Library, Ipswich Poetry Feast and University of Queensland Press.

Media: Erin Pearl, e.pearl@library.uq.edu.au, 0417 325 312, +61 7 3365 34833; Bronwen Levy 0400 787 448.