Woodville couple devotes 18 years to book on artist Gottfried Lindauer

Joan and Kevin McIntyre of Woodville put in nearly two decades on compiling a book on the works of artist Gottfried Lindauer. Photo/Christine McKay

A book on the works of artist Gottfried Lindauer has been 18 years in the making for Woodville couple Kevin and Joan McIntyre.

Finally, after extensive research, the self-published book will be on sale at the Lindauer art exhibition between March 6 and 18 at the Woodville Racecourse.

The exhibition features local artists and Lindauer artist-in-residence Jana Hylamarova, from the Czech Republic, will be the guest artist.

The McIntyres say they haven't had a real life since they began dedicating much of their time to learning more about Lindauer, and the research has taken them to the Czech Republic and back.

Lindauer lived and painted in Woodville from 1890, having bought a 4ha block on Pinfold Rd. He lived there until his death in 1926 and is buried at Woodville's historic Gorge Cemetery along with his wife Rebecca and son Hector.

Since 1975, the McIntyres have dedicated much of their time to the pursuit of Lindauer paintings which they've copied, with permission of the owners, for Woodville's Lindauer Replica Studio and even their holidays have been spent chasing down more of the artist's work.

But it was their trip to the Czech Republic and Pilsen University in 2015 where they hit paydirt, learning more than they previously knew about Lindauer.

Now, after 18 years, the massive record of Lindauer's work is in its final proofing.

"There will be a limited number of books published and it won't be cheap," Mr McIntyre said.

"There certainly won't be many of them around."

So what do the McIntyres do now?

"Live," Mr McIntyre said. "All our spare time has been devoted to this book."