‘The’ Sophie Seeger
Sophie Seeger escaped to the Blue Mountains from Sydney eight years ago in search of a slower pace of life for her young family. Her impressively large and diverse output indicates though, that her creative energy certainly did not dissipate with the move to our cooler climes. The name behind Leura’s Contemporary and Indigenous Art Gallery ‘The Seeger Gallery’ (2003-2005), Sophie’s core business has now evolved into ‘Seeger By Design’, an interior design consultancy service that sources custom art and furnishings for clients. With a collector’s eye and extensive contacts within the art world, she is the woman to call if you are looking for something modern but unique for your home or business.
Sophie’s own home in Wentworth Falls is both a showcase for her interior style and a gallery for her extensive collection of contemporary art, featuring works by artists she has represented, by her mother (a student of art), her paternal grandmother (a mannerist sculptor) and drawings and paintings by Sophie herself.
Built in 1919, the house was one of the few original homes in their street to survive the devastating bush fires of the early 1950’s. Quaint wallpaper designed by the previous owners was retained in the dining room of the original cottage, whilst the recently renovated kitchen now features raw pressed metal walls.
Sophie’s vast array of collaborative developmental work in textile designs also adorn her home. Vintage 60’s chairs are covered in ’Mangrove’, a design developed with local Indigenous artist, Chris Edwards on commercial grade hemp fabric. Louis XVI armchairs feature the Art Deco inspired ‘Fantails’ fabric by local artist Vikki Turton. Scatter cushions on the lounge are covered in her latest design ‘Mulga’, part of a range of residential and commercial sustainable textiles developed with ‘The Eco Collective’. The sitting room rug is from her international range ‘Julu Wajaar’ developed with three Indigenous artists and produced by ‘The Rug Collection’. Sophie’s ethical business model ensures all royalties from these ranges are directed back to the artists and communities involved in the design process.
The recently completed extension to the rear of the cottage opens up views across the back garden to Sophie’s studio. This is a garden where boundaries between neighbouring backyards blur and majestic trees take centre stage. It is not surprisingly Sophie’s favourite place to potter and spend time with her family on the weekend.
It is in her studio overlooking the garden though, that Sophie looks most relaxed. Misty abstract landscape paintings for her show at the Art2Muse Gallery in Double Bay scatter the floor in various stages of completion. An array of custom designed lamps cluster in the corner, some made with Sophie’s own fabrics, some featuring original nautical maps rescued from an uncle’s basement, and my personal favourite, an industrial sized lampshade made from hessian packaging stamped with hot pink graphics!
Passionate about the use of hemp for furnishings and window treatments (curtains and blinds), Sophie promotes the fibre not just for it’s sustainable and ecological values, but also for its lesser known natural anti bacterial qualities. Qualities that actually assist in providing a healthier home environment, a fantastic solution for those suffering from allergies and asthma. Her custom designed hemp blinds also provide excellent insulation and light block out. Available in a number of Sophie’s chic designs and custom colour ways, there is nothing ‘hippy’ about this hemp!
Sophie can be contacted through her website www.seegergallery.com
WORDS by LIBBY SULLIVAN IMAGES by ANN NIDDRIE
How wonderful to have this glimpse into your home and creativity dearest Sophie….. I LOVE it and so wish we could visit and really experience it. I am so proud of your achievements. Well done and best of the best going forward.
Well done Soph! A wonderful collection of photos showing off your home and art! You gave created a special place up there.
Soph, the photos are beautiful, as are you! It makes your home look like the gorgeous haven of peace that it is! Inspiring!
Soph, you are always an inspiration! This story is an amazing showcase of your success to date and I know the next chapter will be even more exciting. Your home looks beautiful, so many great memories. Nice pic of you as well. x
Beautiful images, Ann!