The Johnston Collection facts for kids
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| Established | 1990 |
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| Location | East Melbourne |
| Founder | William Robert Johnston |
The Johnston Collection (TJC) is a special museum in East Melbourne. It has won many awards. This museum invites artists and designers to show their work. They create new ways to display the museum's collection.
The museum has a wonderful collection of old English and French art. It includes beautiful furniture and decorations. This collection was a gift from William Robert Johnston (1911-1986). He was a famous antique dealer and collector from Melbourne. The art is shown in his old home, Fairhall. The displays are always changing, making each visit unique.
Since 1990, The Johnston Collection has worked with modern artists. They help create new ideas for the collection. William Johnston wanted his home, Fairhall, to be rearranged often. So, the museum's rooms are regularly updated. Guest artists help create these new displays. The museum also has special shows, talks, and workshops. These events share stories and inspire people.
TJC encourages new ways of thinking about art. It supports both modern and traditional art. The collection is not just old items. It includes new works by invited artists. These artists use the collection for inspiration. They also add their own new creations.
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Awards for Creativity and Support
The Johnston Collection is a leader in the arts. It has won awards for helping artists and curators. These awards recognize the museum's important work. They celebrate its support for artists and exhibitions.
Here are some of the awards TJC has received:
- Interpretation Australia Award for Excellence 2019 (Winner)
- For the HOUSE OF DREAMS project with Barking Spider Visual Theatre.
- Museums & Galleries National Awards (MAGNA) 2016 (Winner)
- For the exhibition FEATHERING THE NEST | Richard Nylon Meets William Johnston.
- Museums Australia (Victoria) Award for Small Museums 2014 (Winner)
- For the exhibition DAVID McALLISTER REARRANGES MR JOHNSTON’S COLLECTION.
These awards show how TJC helps bring art to life. They also highlight its role in supporting creative people.
Fairhall: A Historic Home with Art
Fairhall is a two-story brick house built in 1860. It is now home to The Johnston Collection. William Johnston bought the house in 1952. He lived there from 1972 until he passed away in 1986. Inside, Fairhall looks much like Johnston left it. He changed the house to look like a Georgian townhouse. He changed the windows and the front door. He added a round fanlight above the door. Johnston gave the house and its collection to the people of Victoria.
Fairhall became a house museum. A garden was designed by John Patrick. It looks like an English garden. This shows Johnston’s love for gardening. Johnston wanted the collection to be shown in a home setting. There are no labels, ropes, or barriers. Visitors are guided through the house by volunteers. Johnston himself loved to rearrange the furniture. He would create small art scenes in his home.
Today, the collection is rearranged three times a year. Guest curators are invited to create new themes. Famous guests have included fashion designer Akira Isogawa. Others include antique dealers and art experts.
You can explore TJC's exhibition program. You can also find their lecture series and special events online.
TJC Online Collection: Explore from Home
The TJC Online Collection lets you explore over 400 years of art. It has more than 1,400 items. These include pottery, furniture, glass, and paintings. Most items are from England. There are also pieces from Europe, India, China, and Japan.
The TJC Collection Online shows William Johnston's original collection. It also includes new items added since then. These additions continue his gift to the people of Victoria.
TJC also has a large Reference Library online. It has over 2,000 books. You can browse them for learning and inspiration. Researchers and students can use this library.
Everyone is encouraged to explore, research, and enjoy art and antiques. You can do this from the comfort of your own home.
The Friends of The Johnston Collection
The Friends of The Johnston Collection are a group of people. They support the world of art and design. They have been an important part of the museum since 1999.
The Friends help the museum in many ways. They raise money for new art and books for the library. They also help pay for projects to care for Fairhall. They support the museum's programs, like exhibitions and lectures.
Being a Friend also has benefits. Members get invitations to special events. They can see exhibitions before others. They also get discounts at the museum shop.
Collection Highlights: Famous Artists and Items
The Johnston Collection features works by many important artists and makers. Here are some of them:
- Peter Archambo I
- Hester Bateman
- Mary Beale
- Bow Porcelain Factory
- Adam Buck
- Richard Cosway
- Derby Porcelain
- Gainsborough Dupont
- Joseph Highmore
- Henry Hindley
- Utagawa Hiroshige
- William Hogarth
- William John Huggins
- Thomas Luny
- Jean David Maillardet
- Minton
- Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer
- Robert Peake
- Giovanni Battista Piranesi
- Salvator Rosa
- Jacob Sang
- James Scouler
- Sèvres porcelain
- John Smart
- Abraham Storck
- Staffordshire Potteries
- Wedgwood
- Royal Worcester
- Anthony Knight, The Johnston Collection, The W.R. Johnston Trust, 1997
