Johnstone Gallery facts for kids

The Johnstone Gallery was a very important private art gallery in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was located in a suburb called Bowen Hills. The gallery was owned by a couple named Brian Johnstone and Marjorie Johnstone. They both loved art and wanted to share it with everyone.

A Special Place for Art

The Johnstone Gallery was truly unique. It wasn't just a building; it was specially built within a large, beautiful rainforest garden. Brian and Marjorie Johnstone were excellent at finding and displaying art. They had their own amazing collection of Australian and international art.

They also managed to attract many famous Australian artists to show their work at special exhibitions. Some of these well-known artists included Sir Sidney Nolan, Margaret Olley, Charles Blackman, and Arthur Boyd.

The gallery was most popular after World War II. At that time, Brisbane didn't have many places to see great art, apart from the Queensland Art Gallery. So, the Johnstone Gallery became a very important spot for art lovers.

Art and Theatre Combined

Brian and Marjorie Johnstone didn't just stop at art. They also opened their lovely rainforest garden for theatre shows! For example, in April 1962, a theatre group called Twelfth Night Theatre performed a play called Lysistrata in the garden. This was a very special event for theatre in Brisbane.

The Johnstones dreamed of creating a whole artistic area in their suburb. As early as 1966, they started planning to build a theatre on part of their land. This is where the current Twelfth Night Theatre stands today. Before the theatre was built, a play called Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas was even performed in a tent on the future theatre site.

Building work for the theatre began in 1969. The new theatre officially opened in February 1971. It was directed by Joan Whalley and showed two plays: A Flea in Her Ear and The Rose and the Ring. Brian Johnstone was very happy about it. He even wrote to Sidney Nolan, saying that with the new theatre, their artistic establishment felt "nicely rounded off." The theatre is still open and active today!

Lasting Impact

The Johnstone Gallery closed its doors in 1972. However, the artistic vision of Brian and Marjorie Johnstone lives on. Many people who knew them, the artists who showed their work there, and the visitors remember their amazing contributions.

The large collection of documents and artworks from the Johnstone Gallery is now kept safely at the State Library of Queensland. This collection is held in trust for all the people of Queensland.

The Johnstones were true pioneers in the art world. Brisbane owes them a lot for all the important work they did. Sadly, the original gallery buildings have been taken down. The beautiful rainforest gardens have also been replaced by new houses.

Images for kids

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  Inside the Johnstone Gallery at the Brisbane Arcade.

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  The Johnstone home garden in Cintra Road, Bowen Hills, in 1952. This became the final location of The Johnstone Gallery.