Christine StewartI was trained as an artist, not a writer. In 1998 we took on the project of restoring the derelict but iconic 1823 Collits' Inn, built by an ex-convict to welcome travellers crossing the Blue Mountains in the early days of the colony. In some ways I elt I was just the catalyst for this project and that my whole life had been in training for it. I had an Arts degree so was used to research and writing for the Conservation Management Plan; I had training in colour and design so enjoyed working on the interiors; I had done courses in gardening so re-establishing the garden was enjoyable; and I enjoyed working with the architects and builders. Thirteen years after we sold it in 2007 the urge to write the history of the Inn and the restoration of it grew so strong, as it was such a fascinating project, that I gave up my painting studio in order to do so. And then COVID-19 came along to give me the time and the space in my life to do so. Read More Read Less