The Jewels of Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire — The Last Of The Mitford Sisters with Adrian Dickens

Deborah Mitford was the last of the infamous Mitford sisters, prominent members of English Society in the 1930s in 40s. Although the sisters were not originally known for their wealth or their jewels, this changed when Deborah married Lord Andrew Cavendish who later became the 11th Duke of Devonshire. Deborah started wearing various well-recognised family jewels, as well as more personal pieces that illustrated her very “wonderful and ordinary” character.

This talk discusses these family heirlooms as well as more modern creations that became part of her collection. It also discusses her penchant for chickens depicted across a range of personal possessions that epitomise her love of animals in general - and chickens in particular.

ADRIAN DICKENS is a jeweller with forty years' experience in modern, estate and antique jewellery. British-born, he trained in England before moving to Australia in 1988, where he managed iconic Australian jewellery retailers such as Paul Bram, Jan Logan, and Bunda Fine Jewels. 

In 2012 Adrian founded his own business, Circa AD Jewels. As an independent jeweller, Adrian offers his clients a personal experience in all aspects of jewellery – from sourcing old or new diamonds, coloured stones and pearls, to reinventing old jewels and heirlooms into more modern designs. 

Adrian travels throughout Australia and internationally, sharing his passion and extensive knowledge about the world’s finest jewels. Adrian has been a regular presenter at The Johnston Collection over the years. His most recent lecture was titled: "Jewels of the Regency". 

This program is supported by The Colin Holden Charitable Trust.

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

This lecture 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.