It’s with great sadness I inform you that my partner and co-director of Home@735 Gallery Madeleine Preston passed away on the 14th of March.

Many of you would be aware, Madeleine suddenly became unwell in July last year. She was taken to St Vincent’s hospital in a critical condition and not expected to survive. After three weeks in hospital, mostly in intensive care, Madeleine came home.

Over these last few months, Madeleine battled a number of symptoms including fatigue, but was able to push through and make the most of her days. She painted, made ceramics and got to finish the script for her short film, Darlinghurst Eats its Young – recording her narration just two weeks before her death.

We managed to get away to the South Coast for a number of short trips. Mad loved the ocean, catching up with friends and was energized by swims in the salt water pools we visited.

She enjoyed engaging with other artists and writers during her residency at Bundanon in February. The natural peace of the beautiful surroundings raised her spirits.

Most of all, Mad loved the visits, calls and messages from her friends. Those connections were precious to her.

Madeleine’s stoic nature was with her right up until the end.

I will always be thankful that we had these last few months together, but that doesn’t make today any easier. I miss her, and I always will…