Open House Melbourne - Stories Of The City

My talk A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne ran for three days as part of this acclaimed program on July 25, 26 and 27, 2025

Stories Of the City

The original presentation of my research on the Syme monument was a 15 minute talk included in the program of events for my exhibition Adventures In Zoomorphic Idolatry in 2023.

I had no notion then that almost two years to the day I would be running a 45 minute talk complete with slides and a short film that I produced at the cemetery with the monument itself included.

That is what occurred late last month when A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne was included in the program for Open House Melbourne Stories Of The City.

The video I created for promoting the event

The perfect venue: Boroondara (Kew) Cemetery

After my EOI was accepted, I needed to find a venue that could accommodate my presentation. Audio visual equipment and seating was required.

The cemetery welcomed the talk and accompanying mausoleum visit, becoming my partner for the OHM series. In trying to accommodate larger numbers for the talk (OHM is a community-based organisation but has criteria about attendance figures like regular businesses) it was agreed that to meet this requirement 3 consecutive days of talks were scheduled.

This version of the talk was made the more special as we were able to visit the monument afterwards. The weather held out quite well considering we were mid-winter, and it was cold.

The artist and a detail from one of his paintings of the Syme tomb; photo by William Jamieson

Sold out seats and VIP attendees

The tickets sold out within 2 days of them going live. Everyone that bought a ticket came – as well as those on the waiting list! It seems I am not the only one interested in this mysterious and wondrous tomb!

I was especially thrilled that Dr. Liz Morrison – who has authored the most recent and definitive biography of David Syme - was in attendance.

Setken with the author of the definitive David Syme biography Dr. Liz Morrison

Dimity Reed, former president of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and namesake of the annual architectural Melbourne Prize also attended.

Setken with Dimity Reed, former president of the RAIA

Ranald Macdonald – who I was introduced to in 2023 through a mutual friend – not only attended but gave a wonderful speech (see video below). Ranald is the last surviving Syme family member who was Managing Director and Managing Editor in Chief of The Age before it fell out of family hands in the 1980’s. He attended with his wife Patricia and sister Jean, who are delightful.

Ranald and Patricia Macdonald, Setken, and Jean Gilbert

Ranald Speaks

Post OHM

As I prepare for the final talks this year, I find myself in the rare position of having solved a long term recent mystery related to the tomb. I am rewriting the talk to include this information. Of course, it will also be included in the forthcoming book.

My thanks to Open House Melbourne and Boroondara Cemetery for partnering me in this iteration of the talks.

A special and big thanks to the cemetery Community Engagement Officer Susan Reddrop for her great work in helping me present the talk over the three days and especially her exceptional photographs.