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WIZO Western Australia: Gregor Collins Comes to Perth

Author Gregor Collins shared stories of his fascinating experiences with Maria Altmann

May 10, 2018

On his visit to Perth, Gregor was kept very busy, spending an evening with a group of generous sponsors over a dinner with many stories, and a morning with our senior WIZO ladies, with whom he was not only charming but genuinely interested to hear about their experiences during and after World War II.

Gregor didn’t disappoint and his visit to Perth was a resounding success. He related, with obvious love, humour and artistic flair, Maria Altmann’s pre-war life in glamorous Vienna, her husband’s arrest by the Nazis and their escape from Austria, her now famous court case to retrieve the Klimt paintings, and the years he spent as her caregiver. He painted a picture of a very elegant, funny and charismatic lady and it was easy to see how easily he could have loved her. Pre-show drinks and coffee and cake afterwards completed a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Gregor talked of bringing his play to Australia, and WIZO has told him we’ll be first in line to put it on!

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Gregor Collins at the morning tea with senior WIZO ladies

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Back row: Gregor Collins; Middle row:  Doris Mossenson, Tamara Tofler, Thelma Same, Rae Craddock; Front row: Ruth Berman, Rifka Gabbay, Nomi