About this episode

The episode explores the story of a society woman from Vienna who escapes the Nazis and faces rejection in Australia, as told by cultural historian Tim Bonyhady.

She stands tall with her head tilted towards you. She’s wearing an incredible gown made of the most beautiful fabric. This is a society woman living in Vienna at the turn of the 20th century. But she will see things that will shock and disturb her. Her world will be turned upside down, and she’ll travel to the other side of the world to keep her family safe, only to be rejected by one of Australia's most important institutions. Cultural historian and curator Professor Tim Bonyhady (Author, Good Living Street) tells Marc Fennell (Stuff The British Stole) the epic family tale behind this artwork that was smuggled out amid war and destruction, and came to reside in Sydney in an apartment full of treasures. Binge all the episodes of No One Saw It Coming now on ABC listen (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch: Got a story for us? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at noonesawitcoming@abc.net.au

People in this episode

Host: Marc Fennell

Guest: Tim Bonyhady

Topics covered

• World War II
• Cultural history
• Art theft
• Migration
• Family stories

Keywords

• Nazis
• Vienna
• Australia
• artwork
• family tale
• cultural historian
• Tim Bonyhady
• Marc Fennell
• Good Living Street

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABC Australia

Books & works: Good Living Street

Places: Vienna, Australia, Sydney

More episodes of No One Saw It Coming

• The queen behind the witch hunts · July 12, 2026 · 26 min
• An 11-year-old sent us on a mission... · July 5, 2026 · 26 min
• The secret Aussie plant that saved D-Day · June 28, 2026 · 26 min
• Grapefruits vs Apartheid · June 21, 2026 · 26 min
• History’s favourite sex toys · June 14, 2026 · 26 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the No One Saw It Coming podcast page.