Afternoon Tea & Lecture | Scandinavian Ceramics with John Patrick

Scandinavian ceramics hold a distinctive place in twentieth‑century design, uniting technical mastery, restraint and a responsiveness to nature. This presentation explores this tradition, drawing on John Patrick’s personal collection. John’s own pieces from influential makers such as Berndt Friberg and Axel Salto will be on display.

John Patrick is an expert on gardens, plants and garden history. He lectured at Burnley College for 42 years, has been a presenter on ABC television series Gardening Australia, and Burke’s Backyard, and has written extensively on gardens (including thirteen books, and articles for magazines such as Vogue Living and The Australian Garden Journal).  John has lectured widely in Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand and has worked as a judge and consultant to garden shows and events. He was one of the founders of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme and has served on the Board of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

Early in his career, John designed the gardens of Fairhall, in preparation for the opening of The Johnston Collection to the public in 1990.

John is an avid collector of ceramics and has been a popular presenter at seminars hosted by the Ceramics and Glass Circle of Australia.

Join The Friends for another interesting and stimulating presentation. Afternoon tea, to include an array of delicious petit fours and biscuits, will be served on arrival. 

NOTE: Tickets for this event do not include access to our exhibition-house, Fairhall. Guided tours of the current exhibition can be booked separately. 

This event is supported by The Colin Holden Charitable Trust. 

Image: John Patrick Headshot, 2024.