Content Warning: This story contains descriptions of drug use, addiction and death. Support is available: LifeLine. 

Wendy Whiteley has spent more than 30 years protecting the legacy of a man whom she loved deeply. In this candid episode of The Australian Women's Weekly Love Stories, the artist, gardener and first-time podcast guest joins Tiffany Dunk to reflect on her extraordinary life with, and after, Brett Whiteley. 

Wendy shares how a blind date led her to Brett, becoming his muse, and building a bohemian life together across London, Florence and New York. She opens up about the addiction that consumed them both for over a decade, the arrival of their daughter Arkie, her later death from cancer, and the moment Wendy finally chose to get clean for good. 

She also reflects on how she found out Brett had died, how she turned her grief into Wendy's Secret Garden, and how the loss of her daughter years later tested her all over again. 

Plus, Wendy shares what she's still building today at the newly reopened Brett Whiteley Studio in Sydney. 

Moments you’ll hear: 

• Wendy's unfiltered thoughts on love, hate and duality 
• What love looked like growing up, and ‘running away’ from home at 12 
• The blind date that led her to meet Brett Whiteley 
• Becoming his muse, and moving to Europe for their art education 
• Marrying at 21 and living on next to nothing as young artists 
• The arrival of daughter Arkie, and how it changed their relationship 
• How casual drug use in the 60s spiralled into over a decade of addiction 
• The day Wendy learned Brett had died, and how she channeled her grief into a garden 
• Rebuilding her bond with Arkie in London, and the sudden loss that changed everything again 
• Why she's spent over 30 years preserving Brett's studio exactly as he left it 
• What love looks like for Wendy today 

Photo Credits: Brett Whiteley Studio archive, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales 

This story contains descriptions of drug use and addiction. If you or someone you know needs support, contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 250 015. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. 

Thank you for listening ❤️ 

Before you leave... 

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Credits: 

Host: Tiffany Dunk 

Edited by Leah Porges 

Production by Leah Porges 

Our wonderful The Australian Women's Weekly team 

Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain 

Learn More: The Australian Women's Weekly website