Home Stories: Georgia and Trevor Morris

Posted on 3 January, 2020

Dog lovers, rejoice! This week’s Home Stories is a masterclass in doggy decoration and appreciation.

You know you’re onto a good thing when you’re greeted not only by the homeowner but two whippets.

In fact, as they headed out of the front gate of their home in Griffith to meet Cass and I, I wondered for a moment if this was Georgia and Trevor…until human Georgia peeked from behind the gate and said, “Hi! Sorry about the doggies and welcome to our home.”

As we stepped into a courtyard with a manicured garden and a large mosaic pattern, Cass asked which was Georgia’s apartment. There was a silent moment where the three of us stared at each other until Georgia said, “Which apartment? Oh no this is one house, but I guess it does throw you off since every bedroom has a street-facing balcony.”

It definitely threw us off but, on the upside, it started off a great conversation about the house’s architect, Peter Byfield. I’m not sure Cass’ great photos could ever capture the sense of space and grandeur you feel in person when you see the living-to-dining-to-kitchen flowthrough with its ultra-high ceilings and massive floor-to-ceiling windows.

What they do capture, however, is the very reason Georgia and Trevor purchased this place—massive walls with an abundance of space to hang unique antiques and art.

It’s hard to know where to start with said décor. The home displays everything from a 15th-century Italian cassone to Australian art by Joe Furlonger and Louis McCubbin though to original Italian 1920s Barilla posters, rare Indonesian textiles and show-jumping Olympic medals.

So how did all this come about? And what’s with the showjumping?

Well, there is a story behind everything. Georgia had a long and varied career in the public service, during which she nourished her appreciation of art, design, antiques and history; while Trevor was a professional showjumper, representing Australia overseas.

He’s even produced two Olympic medal horses (they were ridden by Merv Bennett and Wayne Roycroft at the Games for those of you into horse-y trivia) and is now a showjumping coach and a very passionate antique dealer on the side.

“Trevor becomes an expert in a particular field and then moves to another,” explains Georgia. “It’s a constant journey of learning and discovery. The eclectic mix of items you see is a representation of that journey.”

So how do people that have such a passion for antiques stop themselves from becoming cultural hoarders?

“We do have a rule,” admits Georgia. “For anything coming in, something has to go out’.

Sure, I said. But what if you really like something?

“Yes, well then, we have an argument,” laughs Georgia. “Plus Trevor can’t sell anything I am a share owner in,” she adds. “For example, this Brett Whiteley in the entrance is my favourite piece ever and it’s never leaving our home. Or this interesting PNG carving bought back in the 1960s by my dad.”

Apparently, the piece Georgia is referring to is meant to ward off evil spirits, though it’s clearly not working because both Cass and I made it in.

You probably noticed the whippets are frequently featured and celebrated throughout the house across paintings, photos and even pillows. Yes, alongside art and antiques, Georgia and Trevor are equally as obsessed with Mouse and Possum. In fact with all doggies, so much so that Georgia started the very successful Canberra Dog Walks website.

It’s a meet up for groups that want to experience all the different beautiful aspects of Canberra while the owners and dogs socialise over a healthy walk.

Now it makes sense why the dogs greeted us first—they own the home as much as Georgia and Trevor. I just wonder if they appreciate the cultural immersion as much as that chew toy they got given for Christmas?