The King's Castle gets a refresh
Published on 21 January 2025
Greg Page had no idea that listening to Elvis music while travelling Australia in the back of a Toyota Tarago with his band mates it would lead to having the 4th largest collection of Elvis memorabilia in the world.
The King's Castle, housed at the Henry Parkes Centre on the Newell Highway, is a display of more than 200 items from Elvis' life including tickets, clothing and costumes, albums, jewellery, furniture, and documents.
In late December, Greg spent a week refreshing the exhibition to give the space the feel of the home The King lived in.
"When you walk into Graceland you can feel the tone of the place. It was his home, so adding curtains and other little touches gives you that feel." Says Greg. "People, want the feel. They may never be able to make it to Gracelands, so I'd like to give a glimpse".
Breaking up the previous black signage on white walls with blue curtains behind the exhibits at the King's Castle is reminiscent of the lavish drapery in the dining room and at the top of the main staircase at Gracelands in Memphis.
Did you know that out of respect for Elvis, no one is allowed upstairs at Gracelands? The man himself never received guests upstairs, so in keeping with that, the estate maintains that privacy. Not even staff can go upstairs, only family, making it even more curious. You can however see an original green velvet couch that Elvis many have sat on at the King's Castle, and it may also have seat Jerry Lee Lewis or Johnny Cash who were close friends of Elvis after their collaboration on the "Million Dollar Quartet.
"The first item I ever purchased was a $2000 cheque signed by Elvis on the Gold Coast" say Greg, "it was a bonus cheque to a body guard". This highlighted what Greg had noticed on his visit to Graceland with fellow Wiggles during a short break on a tour of the US. "He wasn't really known for his spiritual and philanthropic works, but it's something that stands out in his home."
The Exhibition started as a temporary show of Greg's extensive private collection in the Coventry Room at Parkes Library in 2005 at the same time at the Elvis Festival. Shortly afterwards Greg was invited by then Deputy Mayor Ken Keith to put together a permanent exhibition so Elvis fever could be enjoyed by fans all year round. When asked why he felt the exhibition was an important/ valuable addition to the culture of Parkes he said "The revamped display of the Kings Castle is stunning. The important old pieces like the Pricilla lounge and the new items of authentic Elvis memorabilia are stunningly displayed between royal blue curtains. Greg’s interview with Joe Esposito adds a real connection to the exhibition which Elvis fans will love.”
The revitalised exhibition can be seen between 9am - 4pm daily at the Henry Parkes Centre at 66 - 78 Peak Hill Road, Parkes.