Step inside historic Fairhall, The Johnston Collection’s elegant 1860s townhouse, beautifully adorned with candlelit trees, garlands, and seasonal decorations, and discover the rich history behind some of our most cherished Christmas traditions.
A Taste of Christmas explores the festive drinking, dining, and decorative customs of eighteenth-century Europe. Discover the origins of the Christmas tree, Advent calendars, St Nicholas, Hogmanay, and Scottish New Year celebrations, and learn how traditions such as stockings filled with gifts and sweets evolved over time.
The exhibition also features handcrafted decorations and seasonal, food-inspired creations by Victorian makers and artisans, including the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria, Kate Rohde, and Robyn Rich, specially created for The Johnston Collection over the years.
Experience The Johnston Collection re-imagined as a series of atmospheric, period-appropriate tableaux celebrating the art of eating and drinking and the origin of Christmas traditions.
All visitors are welcomed with tea or Market Lane coffee and a seasonal sweet treat.
About the Guest Curator
Dr Matthew Martin is a specialist in European luxury arts of the 1600s -1800s. For thirteen years, he was a curator in the Department of International Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Victoria and is currently a faculty member in Art History and Curatorship at the University of Melbourne.
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