In the detail: the collaborative Arts and Crafts of Mabel and William Blamire Young with Dr Andrew Montana

An accomplished decorative colourist in watercolour painting, the English born Australian William Blamire Young (1862-1935), was also an art nouveau poster artist, art critic and designer in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He and his wife Mabel Blamire Young (1875-1956), a skilled wood carver, modeller, metal worker and decorator, collaborated in many of their artistic endeavours, yet she was overshadowed, and her work has been large unrecognised. This well illustrated presentation highlights their works and Mabel’s contribution, especially to the Arts and Crafts Movement in Victoria in the architectural and decorative arts.

Dr Andrew Montana researches, writes, and lectures on the interrelationship between the fine, decorative, and architectural arts, specialising in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. His many publications include the books The Art Movement in Australia: Design, Taste and Society 1875-1900; Loudon Sainthill’s Theatre of Art & Life; and Keith Haring’s Australia 1984. He contributed chapters in Daniel Cottier, Designer, Decorator, Dealer and Collecting for the Nation - The Australiana Fund.

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 event is supported by The Colin Holden Charitable Trust. 

Image: William Blamire Young, The Silver Dish, 1909. Private Collection.