Harry and Penelope Seidler

Architect and designer Harry Seidler OBE (1923–2006) and architect Penelope Seidler AM (b. 1938) were married on her twentieth birthday, the 15th December 1958. The couple met through Seidler's connection with her father, Clive Evatt QC, then Minister for Housing in the New South Wales government. Reflecting on her first impressions of Harry, Penelope said 'There was something about his power of expression and his determination', a refreshing contrast to the 'other boys', whose conversations concerned 'cars and drinking beer'. Penelope was studying at the University of Sydney pursuing philosophy, history and anthropology before switching to architecture. Becoming a registered architect in 1964, Penelope joined Harry Seidler & Associates, and was made a director of the company two years later.

According to Penelope, her husband Harry Seidler 'was so … committed and so sincere and revolutionary … I could really see that he had drive'. Much of this drive was directed towards the application of modernist principles in architecture, with his vision seeing him winning every major Australian prize in the discipline. Among Harry's most noteworthy designs was 'Killara', the family home he and Penelope created. It won the 1967 Wilkinson Award, presented by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects for a design of outstanding merit. Harry passed away in 2006, and Penelope continues to steer their shared legacy, as Director of Harry Seidler & Associates.

This elegant and sophisticated studio portrait was taken by John Hearder on the young couple's wedding day in 1958.

Gift of Penelope Seidler AM 2021
© Penelope Seidler AM