Montsalvat leader and arts ‘icon’ Sigmund Jorgensen remembered

A shocked community in Melbourne’s northeast has paid tribute to Sigmund Jorgensen — one of Montsalvat’s inspirational leaders and a former Nillumbik mayor. The Eltham-born man is being remembered as an icon.

Sigmund Jorgensen in 2013 after being awarded an OAM on Australia Day for his contribution to the arts. He was born at Monsalvat and ran the artists’ colony from 1975 to 2005.

The Eltham community is mourning the death of arts “icon” Sigmund Jorgensen.

The son of Montsalvat’s founder, Justus Jorgensen, died on Sunday night at the age of 79 after a long illness.

He was born at Montsalvat on April 29, 1940 and went on to lead the legendary artists’ colony in Eltham from 1975 until 2005 — he also made other contributions to Melbourne’s arts and culinary scene.

He helped run award-winning restaurant Clichy, judged at the Melbourne Asian Food Festival, was a food critic for the Melbourne Times and even co-directed the Montsalvat Jazz Festival.

Mr Jorgensen was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for service to the arts in 2013.

Montsalvat executive director Jacqueline Ogeil said she would always remember Mr Jorgensen as a friend and dedicated supporter of the arts.

“He made Montsalvat a haven for local and international artists — his contributions to art and culture were many,” she said.

Sigmund Jorgensen has been remembered as a dedicated supporter of Montsalvat and the wider arts scene in Nillumbik and the rest of Melbourne. Picture: Adam Elwood

Mr Jorgensen was also a Nillumbik councillor from 1999 to 2002 and served as mayor from 2000 to 2002.

Current Nillumbik mayor Karen Egan acknowledged his crucial involvement in the municipality’s arts scene and wider community.

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Sigmund Jorgensen’s passing and offer our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” she said.

“Sigmund leaves an enduring legacy as a passionate advocate for the arts, and we are grateful

for his tireless promotion of Nillumbik and Montsalvat as significant cultural centres.”

MORE: LOGGING CONTRACTORS TO SEEK COMPENSATION OVER PROTEST

MONTSALVAT’S GRAND PLANS COULD INCLUDE $49M ART GALLERY

TERRIFIED SHOPPERS WANT VIOLENT YOUTHS BANISHED FROM PLAZA

On social media, Diamond Valley’s Kaye Backman said an Eltham icon was lost, while Melissa Wilson said she would always admire Mr Jorgensen’s love for Montsalvat’s rich history.

“My favourite memory is when we were fortunate to sit in the Great Hall and he sat next to the open fire describing the history of Montsalvat and his book, Montsalvat: The intimate story of Australia’s most exciting artists’ colony — it was a lovely afternoon,” Ms Wilson said.

Mr Jorgensen is survived by his partner Sue and brother Sebastian.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Montsalvat on Friday, August 9 at 2pm.

[e-mail]