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The Countess from Kirribilli

Published on: November 2022

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-129543

The Countess from Kirribilli

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore)

—My local community has had its fair share of fascinating historical figures, artists, musicians, celebrities, and even aristocracy. Elizabeth von Arnim was an Australian-born best-selling novelist in the early 20th century, who married a Prussian Count, and then married Bertrand Russell's brother. Elizabeth was born in Kirribilli in 1866 and lived in the villa Beulah which has since been demolished. She became a prominent literary figure during the 20th century, with her career spanning more than four decades. Two of her novels were made into Oscar-nominated movies, and Time magazine named her final book Mr Skeffington as one of its books of the year in 1940. I acknowledge Joyce Morgan, who authored a book on Elizabeth von Arnim, 'The Countess from Kirribilli: the mysterious and free spirited literary sensation who beguiled the world'. Joyce has been working to have Elizabeth recognised in Australia, as currently, there is no recognition of her. There are two statues of Elizabeth in Poland near her marital home, previously in Germany, where she began her writing career. I congratulate Joyce for her ongoing work to have Elizabeth recognised through the NSW Heritage Blue Plaques.