b'4Left: Martin Sachs in Poland, late 1940s. Right: Martin Sachs, Melbourne 1970The Estate of Martin SachsMartin Sachs was born on 9 May 1925 in Krakow, Poland.He loved classical music, was a big supporter of the The only son of Hannah and David, he was an excellentarts and was a passionate advocate for and consumer of student whose education was cut short at 14 with theAustralian wines. He was a great cook and a keen chess onset of the war. Whilst he was originally relieved by theplayer. He cared greatly for others, took a genuine interest prospect of not having to learn Latin, that was quicklyin people he met, supported those in need and made quashed as the family was forced into the Krakowsure to share that which he held to be important or loved Ghetto. Martins father was rounded up in the Ghetto andin the world with those around him. He celebrated and transported to Belzec death camp where he was killed insupported artistic creativity and counted several artists 1942. Martin and his mother were able to remain togetheramongst his friends. Besides housing his huge wine until August 1944 when they were separated and he wascellar, the home he designed and built in Montalto Avenue sent to the Mauthausen Labour Camp. Martins motherToorak, with its vaulted ceilings and huge walls, provided was sent to Auschwitz, then transported to Stutthofa magnificent gallery for the many paintings, drawings and concentration camp where she was killed early in 1945. Ofsculptures he collected.the 5000 young boys and men sent to Mauthausen, MartinThere was no segregation between the different parts and was one of 500 to survive, eventually being liberated bypassions in Martins life. He didnt have people he only US forces in May 1945. He was just 20 years old. worked withworking with Martin meant being a part of He returned to Poland for a few years after the war,his social life as well. He didnt just cook for himself, but trying his hand at a range of enterprises, but after seeingwas renowned for his dinner parties. He didnt donate no future for himself there on account of the continuingblood alone, frequently encouraging his colleagues to anti-Semitism he left for Australia in 1948. In Australia, hiscome with him and to get involved. He had a unique ability major commercial activity was as a builder and developer.to combine some of his passions in ways that not many Martin began with houses and remains renowned in theothers would, often cooking and preparing for a dinner Beaumaris area for his innovative designs including theparty whilst having three games of chess going on at the conversion of a chicken farm into a residential court, asame time and a glass of wine at hand.project still much admired and valued by the residents ofMartin was a man who, in early life, had so much taken those forty homes in Bellaire Court. He then moved on toaway from him and experienced the unspeakable horrors high rises in St. Kilda, most on Beaconsfield Parade, asof the Holocaust. Although these losses and atrocities well as office showrooms around South Melbourne. Forplagued him throughout his years, he overcame them to students of architecture and building practices, Martinsbe a man who gave so much and whose true generosity of body of work remains important and influential. spirit found final expression in his will. A significant portion Martin had many passions and never hesitated to expressof his art collection was gifted to friends and family, and these through his support of them. He was a life-longsix of his closest mates each received a selection of supporter of Israel which found expression through hisvintage wines from his extensive cellar, so they could efforts on behalf of the Jewish National Fund whichdrink to his memory and the good times they shared.raised funds for land reclamation, swamp clearance, treeA Fund to be established in memory of Martins parents planting and other environmental projects. His Blue Boxand to be used for the furtherance of education and efforts became legendary as he persisted with them intoresearch, particularly in the science of chemistry, will his late 80s, despite the difficulty he already had walking.ultimately benefit from Martins estate.He believed strongly in the importance of giving blood, receiving recognition from the Australian Red Cross forMartin Sachs passed away recently at the age of 95. his life long donations. He loved everything Australian,A life well lived.and was tremendously grateful for the opportunities and experiences he was able to enjoy in his adopted land.'