CHRISTMAS at The Johnston Collection 2003|04

In 2003 we have invited six craft groups to decorate Fairhall. The brief is that each decoration should be inspired by the line, form, colour or decoration in The Johnston Collection.

The decorations are linked to the fine and decorative arts because it encouraged visitors to look not only at the decorations but also more closely at the paintings, furniture, ceramics, clocks and objets d’art in the Collection.

The brief given to the guilds was quite specific - create an overall look of sumptuous elegance inspired by the line, form, colour and decoration of William Johnston’s Collection - and that is exactly what the six guilds have done!!

The six guilds decorating Fairhall for Christmas this year are:

The Embroiderers Guild of Australia

The Decoupage Guild Australia

The Art Porcelain Art Circle

The Australian Lace Guild (Victorian Branch)

The Calligraphy Society of Victoria

The Country Women’s Association of Victoria

Members of The Embroiderers Guild, for instance, in decorating the Magi in the Nativity scene, have been inspired by some of the decorative bass work on the Regency suite of tables in the Green Drawing Room.

This year’s Christmas decorations promise to be dramatic and awe inspiring!