Lashings of fun

Debauchery, sex, art and hedonism… and that’s just for starters. Gretel Pinniger – dominatrix, fetishist, artist, and courtesan to the rich and famous – has been shocking and awing the world in equal measure as ‘Madame Lash’ for decades, but what of the woman behind the headlines?

Author Sam Everingham’s new biography aims to shed light on one of 1970s Kings Cross’ most famous identities, and inner west residents have the chance to hear those tales first. The debut of his new tome also marks the launch of a new monthly book club, a joint collaboration between Balmain’s Hill of Content bookstore and the Riverview Hotel. Madame Lash herself will also be on hand to deliver insights into her life, from her famous liaison with Kerry Packer’s brother Clyde, to her ‘Birth of Venus’ trenchcoat that captured international headlines at the 1974 Melbourne Cup, her inspirations and experiences as an artist, and latterly, Florida House, her five-level ‘pleasure palace’ at Palm Beach.

Madam Lash: Gretel Pinniger’s scandalous life of sex, art and bondage launches at the Riverview Hotel, 29 Birchgrove Road, Balmain, from 7pm on Tuesday, June 8. Membership is free and complimentary canapés will be on offer.