The truth be is that some ‘local’s have been living in Melbourne for 20 years before hearing of the Johnston Collection and taking the tour to marvel at its intricate glory.

It’s the kind of place it is – a secret treasure that requires planning and joining one of the tours that comes with instructions about pick-up locations and a little bus to drop you directly at the door.

William Robert Johnston (1911-1986) found his passion in antique dealing – a career inspired with a single gift, at just eight years old, when his grandmother presented him with an 1811 Minton cup. It’s a delicate little thing that has survived the history that has swirled around it and takes its own place, proudly, among the scores of other quirkily beautiful, interesting items on display.

The real charm of the Johnston Collection – locked away in Johnston’s former home in the lovely streets of East Melbourne as a unique museum – is the regular evolution it experiences at the hands of external influence.

This time, the lucky folk given the honour of adding their own turn at creating themes inspired by the colours and style of the individual rooms, are Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales.

Romance Was Born is their fashion label and in this exhibition they come with installations by Melbourne-based artist Kate Rhode to ensure their fashionable flavour transforms the Johnston Collection backdrop into a place of even more theatrical wonder.

The Bride, The Ship & The Wardrobe: Romance Was Born meets William Johnston, with a series of installation works by Kate Rhode
2 July – 24 October 2012
Monday-Friday 10am 12midday, 2.15pm
T: 03 9416 2515