Collecting and Using Culinary Moulds, Past and Present with Diana Morgan AM

Food created using culinary moulds (made from ceramic, copper, tin, pewter or wood) has been used for millennia to add a touch of sophistication to a table, to vary the appearance of often highly seasonal ingredients – such as fruits – and to prolong the life of some foods. Before telephones it would have been helpful to have prepared food waiting for an unexpected visitor! Most importantly, once moulds were on the table, servants could leave the room, and conversation could flow.

Diana has found that preparing food in advance using moulds, is a boon that suits our busy, contemporary lives.

In this presentation, Diana will share her passion for collecting culinary moulds, insights into using them for food preparation, and explain their fascinating history.

Moulds from Diana’s extensive collection will be available to view at the presentation.

Diana Morgan AM is an author and arts collector known for her interest in early Australiana and contemporary Australian and New Zealand jewellery. For fifteen years, she was a Committee Member of The Australiana Fund (which advises on furniture and objet for the Official Residences of the Governor and the Prime Minister of Australia). She has a particular interest in Australian contemporary jewellery and the way jewellers define the Australian identity through their work. For the last twenty-seven years she has put together a collection of contemporary Australian jewellery for the Musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris.

She is a Life Member of the National Gallery of Victoria and an ex-President of the National Gallery Women’s Association. Her books include Succulents for Mediterranean Climate Gardens, reflecting her interest in living with the climate, and Death, Grief and Starting Again, addressing end-of-life problems.

Your ticket includes tea or Market Lane coffee served before the presentation, and time to browse our exclusive range of books, gifts, and homewares at TJC Emporium.

This event is presented on-site at The Johnston Collection. Please see your ticket for details. NOTE: Tickets for this event do not include access to our house museum, Fairhall. Guided tours of the current exhibition can be booked separately.

This program is supported by The Copland Foundation.

Image: Installation view of The Johnston Collection, 2026. Photo: Adam Luttick.