World of Mab Grimwade

Mab and Russell’s support of a range of causes had an impact on the development of Melbourne and its institutions during the 20th century. Beyond their enduring support of the University of Melbourne, Mab’s philanthropic interests included the Free Kindergarten Union, the Australian Ballet and the National Gallery of Victoria, among many other educational and cultural organisations.

In particular, Mab and Russell were strong supporters of the University of Melbourne. In addition to financial donations, Mab chaired the women’s committee of the Melbourne University Centenary Appeal in 1955 and Russell served on the University Council for many years. The couple made multiple gifts, the most significant those that helped develop the Russell Grimwade School of Biochemistry, which incorporated the Mab Grimwade Library. Only Mab saw these donations come to fruition, opening the new school in 1958 alongside Head of School, Professor Victor Trikojus, and the Chancellor of the University, Mr Justice Dean.

Mab’s much-loved home, Miegunyah in Orrong Road Toorak, was a wedding present from Russell. Mab took great pleasure in the gardens that surrounded the house and particularly enjoyed spending time there with the couple’s adored Scottish Terriers. Mab loved roses and in 1937, the Mab Grimwade rose was bred by gardener and farmer Mr Griffiths at their property at Westerfield with the proceeds from its sale donated to the National Rose Society of Victoria.

Mab and Russell had a country property, Westerfield, set amongst sprawling bushland in Frankston South, and Mab also loved visiting family in country Victoria.

Mab was known as a skilled sportswoman in her school days, and her love of cricket and golf in particular, was maintained through her life. She also led an active social life and was a member of a number of women's clubs in Melbourne.

Mab’s life allowed her to travel widely. As a teenager she had lived in Edinburgh and travelled in Europe with her family, then as a young woman she travelled through Japan, Singapore and Myanmar (then named Burma) prior to her marriage. With Russell, she travelled to London, New York and Canada for their honeymoon, and through their lives together they explored many parts of the world. After Russell’s death, Mab continued to travel as her health allowed.

Mab and Russell both came from large families. Mab’s family, the Kellys, had invested in Broken Hill Proprietary in the 1880s, and within a very short time had made a fortune. The Grimwade family were in pharmaceuticals, Felton Grimwade & Company.

Mab and Russell did not have their own children and were very supportive of their wider family of nieces and nephews.