From Needs to Desires: The 18th-century Demand For Beautiful Objects with Genine Wallinga

Wednesday 28 May 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

This presentation traverses the political, economic, technological and social influences that combined to create the explosion in demand for beautiful, personal objects in 18th-century Europe. It considers the human appreciation of beauty, the correlation between liberty and prosperity, the impact of trade (particularly with East Asia), the effects of science and innovation, the rise of consumerism and imitation, and the abundance of beautiful items in the 1700s.

Some of the great ‘shakers and movers’ of the eighteenth century are introduced, including Josiah Wedgwood, Matthew Boulton, David Ricardo, Erasmus Darwin, and James Watt. Their interesting lives and remarkable achievements underpinned the creation of the modern world.

Genine Wallinga started collecting ceramics (unbeknownst to her at the time) when she purchased a charming nineteenth-century teapot in Hong Kong in 1998. Her delight in the small, spherical shape led her to start collecting small antique teapots, with a subsequent focus on collecting eighteenth-century British teapots. Genine joined the Ceramics and Glass Circle of Australia in 2004. The Circle's 2006 exhibition, 'The Japanese Aesthetic', introduced her to early Japanese porcelain, her other area of collecting interest. Genine has served on the committee of the Ceramics and Glass Circle for many years and has been President since 2019, a position she still holds. Genine regularly delivers presentations on antique ceramics, and has presented for organisations including U3A (University of the Third Age), The Brighton Antiques Club, and the Lyceum Club.  

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 exhibition-house, Fairhall. Guided tours of the current exhibition can be booked separately.

This program is generously supported by The Sir Wilfred and C H (Roger) Brookes Charitable Trust.

Brookes Centre Transparent Black CMCYK 300dpi (1)_edited

Image: William Littler and Aaron Wedgwood, ‘Littler's Blue' teapot, Brownhills, Staffordshire, c1749-63, GLVW Collection.

Book Tickets

Adult $25

$ 25.00 ea

Concession $23.00

$ 23.00 ea

Tertiary/Secondary Student $10

$ 10.00 ea