Historic Burnham Beeches Gets a Make-Under by Melbourne Street Artist Rone

As historic 1930s Burnham Beeches gets set to have its much-awaited transformation into a luxury hotel by entrepreneur and celebrity chef Shannon Bennett and partner Adam Garrison, the street artist known as Rone has been working hard to the contrary, adding another level of decay to the already dilapidated venue.

The property, in the heart of Victoria's Dandenong Ranges, has had a colourful and thwarted history. In high times however, it was a much-admired art deco style hotel with guests including the Prince and Princess of Wales in the 1980s.

Having laid dormant for the best part of 25 years, it fell into disrepair. Then, Garrison and Bennett purchased the property in 2014 with ambitious plans for an emu farm, piggery, trufferie and restaurants, brewery, shop, cafe, a spa, cooking school, group accommodation, outdoor cinema/concert facilities and more.

In October in 2018, Bennett and Garrison finally got the approvals they need to commence work on what will undoubtedly be one of Victoria's most sought after destination hotels. Before the spade hits the earth however, they have handed the entire property over to renowned Melbourne street artist Rone.

Tyrone Wright is known for his art works found in and around the urban streets of Melbourne's inner-north, and in abandoned houses and venues – as well as his works on the Silo Art Trail. The artworks depict haunting, stylised portraits of women's face and are aimed at finding the friction between beauty and decay.

Rone's takeover of Burnham Beeches will be the biggest project he has ever undertaken. One of the first priorities, was to ensure the venue was presented in an extreme state of distress and decay including new techniques developed to create the look of mould, peeling and chipped walls and surfaces.

With styling and sound effects added, each room evokes a different feeling. Rone's muse for the project is actor Lily Sullivan (Picnic at Hanging Rock, Mental). The result is EMPIRE.

The exhibition will open on March 6th for a six week period. Tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for concessions and can be booked online or at the door. There will be eight sessions and day and some evenings. One day a week will be dedicated to school groups. Some private dinners will also be held with catering by the Vue Group.

EMPIRE is supported by Visit Victoria and Yarra Ranges Tourism.

Peter Bingeman, CEO of Visit Victoria says that the project will not only bring visitors to the Dandenong Ranges, but is also another feather in the cap for the burgeoning arts scene around regional Victoria.

“The public interest in seeing urban contemporary art of this nature applied at such scale has been proven with projects such as Benalla Wall to Wall Festival and the Silo Art Trail. We are all really excited about this one and thrilled to be in a position to support our home-grown talent,” said Peter Bingeman.

Simon O'Callaghan, CEO of Yarra Ranges Tourism said, “The Rone and Burnham Beeches 1930s mansion collaboration in the Dandenong Ranges is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Projects such as this truly highlight why this region is such a vibrant, creative destination that inspires and stimulates all the senses.”

Website: www.visitvictoria.com