A HOME OF ONE'S OWN | Summer at TJC 2023|24

“A home becomes. It takes time.” Victoria Alexander 

Our homes are more than merely containers for living. When we combine meaningful objects, gathered thoughtfully over time, a room, a house, or a garden becomes a space for shared memories - past, present, and future - and a comforting sanctuary from the busyness of the outside world. 

A Home of One’s Own: Summer at TJC brings together objects, collections, and design inspirations that have developed over many years, but continue to resonate today. Visitors to our historic East Melbourne townhouse, Fairhall, will discover antiques and much-loved decorative pieces that draw on iconic designs of the past, combined to create an inviting, intimate, and timeless expression of ‘home’.  

This special re-arrangement is inspired by a 2008 exhibition at The Johnston Collection, curated by renowned Melbourne-based interior designer, Robert Thomson, formerly a Director at design firm Riddell Marly. During the last ten years of his life, William Johnston (1911-1986) entrusted Robert to undertake special projects at Fairhall, and Robert is now a valued Ambassador of The Johnston Collection (TJC).  

Over the last fifteen years, TJC has acquired many more exquisite objects. Some of these have been incorporated into this rearrangement, which references Robert’s design philosophy and expert ‘eye’ for creating comfortable and inviting spaces with timeless appeal. Visitors will experience how fine and decorative artworks from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries can be enjoyed in today’s homes, and how they create comfortable, liveable, individual spaces that speak to elegance, re-use and sustainability. 

Enjoy viewing beautiful objects, arranged in a domestic setting without ropes or barriers. Your ticket includes:

- an introduction to The Johnston Collection by one of our knowledgeable Volunteer Guides 
- an intimate tour experience with no more than 8 visitors per guide (groups of up to 22 are welcome) 
- tea or Market Lane coffee served from Wedgwood fine bone china 
- time to explore a wide range of exclusive gifts, books, and homewares at the TJC Emporium 

Experience the spirit of timeless, elegant design in A Home of One’s Own. 

This exhibition is supported by The Friends of The Johnston Collection.

Images: Mirek Rzadkowski, 2008