Own a piece of gay history

Known as the ‘Duchess of Cremorne’, George Hayim lived and died by his own rules, according to close friends. The openly gay man was a colourful Mosman identity, who called his lurid red house on Spofforth St home for about 30 years before dying aged 90 on January 2 this year.

Hayim’s long-term carer, Karen Lindley, said he died in his bed, listening to Maria Callas, with his beloved great dane, Pushkin.

“He had no regrets, he died exactly as he wanted to,” said Lindley.

“He was flamboyant and eccentric and very wilful, but he was the most generous man.”

Born in Shanghai in 1920 to millionaire parents – a Russian mother and Iraqi-Jewish father – Hayim enjoyed an opulent and privileged upbringing.

He studied at English private boys school Harrow before serving in the navy during World War II.

Hayim never worked a day in his life but instead travelled the world, pursuing his love of the arts.

“He used to spend seven months in Sydney, three months in Paris and three months in his London apartment,” said Lindley.

He was fluent in seven languages, could sing along with operas, and would often wander the streets of Mosman in his pyjamas or underpants.

A devoted fan of film and theatre, Hayim was seen at Cremorne Orpheum three times a week for decades.

“He was a meddler with a fabulous sense of humour,” Lindley said.

“Although he was gay he preferred the company of men with girlfriends.”

Hayim also published two books – Obsession (1971), about his passionate love-affair with a young Arab living in France, and Thou Shalt Not Uncover Thy Mother’s Nakedness (1988), an autobiography.

Neighbour and friend Kay Stammers said he entertained “a constant stream” of dignitaries, actors and artists at his home, including David Niven, Noel Coward, Brigitte Bardot, Naomi Watts and Greta Scaachi.

Hayim’s last wish was that he have no funeral service but his body be donated to the University of Sydney for the purposes of science. The sale of his home is currently being organised by David Murphy Real Estate.

info: www.davidmurphy.com.au