If you’re a fan of Antiques Roadshow or love admiring your grandparent’s silver heirlooms, then this one’s for you.
The Johnston Collection (TJC), an award-winning boutique museum located in East Melbourne, will soon be home to Splendid: The Roger Brookes Bequest – a brilliant collection of silverware gifted by Roger Brookes (1929-2020).
A carefully considered connoisseur’s cumulation of sterling silver ranging from the late 16th century to the mid-19th century, the exhibition features work by silversmiths William Cawdell, Matthew Boulton, Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, Ann Bateman, Susannah Barker and more.
As well as silver, the showcase also includes pretty ceramics, furniture, clocks, watches, glass and fine paintings. History buffs will be pleased to know this is the first time that Roger Brookes’ treasured items will be displayed together in a gallery, and not his private residence.
Splendid: The Roger Brookes Bequest collection will be open from September 28 to February 26, 2023, with three daily tours running on Wednesdays through to Sundays. Concession and senior tickets start from $25 per person, and bookings are essential.
Renowned for its compilation of English Georgian, Regency and Louis XV fine and decorative arts, TJC is the legacy of William Johnston (1911-1986), a prominent 20th century collector and antiques dealer. TJC is Johnston’s gift to the people of Victoria.
A heads up: because TJC is located in a residential area, all visitors will be picked up in a courtesy bus from the nearby Pullman Melbourne on the Park Hotel 10 minutes before the session. Coffee, tea and bikkies will be provided prior to the tour.