Peering through a narrow barred window, at footpath level - I was privvy to the 'world of the 'beatniks'! The dark shades; berets and black stockings, the bearded men and the lanky haired woman smoking cigarettes, fascinated me. The music was definitely out of this world ... 'this basement of bohemians' at the top of Brougham Street was The El Rocco Jazz Cellar hosted by Horst Leopold I decided then and there that this was the life for me.
2009 Site of the Old El Rocco
Aged about eight and I befriended an older called named Carol. Carol lived in a huge house at the top of Brougham Street, number 179, referred to as 'The Palm Trees'. "A 'witch' lives in my house". Carol confided in me. We hid and watched as 'the witch' came and went with a tall gangly young man, (Gavin Greenlees). Rosaleen Norton is her name Mum confirmed, and added, "Stay away from that house!"
Dave Bruebeck "Take Five"
Rosaleen Norton's life and artwork Rosaleen Norton's books on the occult
A beautiful shot of Beatrice Miles .. I often saw her on the bus usually tirading or quoting Shakespeare. Beattie is purported to have dwelted in the tunnels under Rushcutter's Bay
