Home Comforts at The Johnston Collection: Quilts, Craft and the Meaning of Home
What makes a house feel like a home? Warmth, routine, family life — and, quite often, the quiet comfort of handmade things. That simple but powerful idea sits at the heart of Home Comforts, the latest exhibition at The Johnston Collection in East Melbourne.
Set within Fairhall, the Collection’s beautifully preserved 1860s townhouse, Home Comforts brings together decorative arts, domestic history and more than fifty remarkable historical quilts in an exquisite exhibition.
Fairhall will be decorated for Christmas until 5 January 2026, and the Home Comforts exhibition runs until 12 April 2026.
A Rare Chance to See Historic Quilts Up Close
The standout feature of Home Comforts is the inclusion of over fifty historical quilts, generously loaned from the private collection of Melbourne-based textile researcher and historian Janet O’Dell.
These quilts are not tucked away behind glass as isolated objects. Instead, they are thoughtfully integrated into the rooms of the house, allowing visitors to see how such pieces would have functioned within real domestic spaces. The result is a far richer experience — one that highlights the extraordinary skill of hand-quilting while also acknowledging the everyday lives of the people who made and used them.
Look closely and you’ll notice a fascinating variety of techniques, patterns and stitching styles, many of them beautifully preserved. For anyone with an interest in textiles, needlework or social history, this alone makes the exhibition worth the visit.
Kathy’s review
When my friend confessed that she had never been to The Johnston Collection, I let out a mini squeal – “What! You, of all people, have never been to The Johnston Collection! We must go! NOW!”
I raced around the corner back home and quickly went online to find if there were spaces available for the Christmas tours. Each year, TJC has a theme at Christmas time. Previously it was a particular guild who decorated the entire house, perhaps the Geelong weavers or Gippsland knitters and this year the incredible quilts of Janet O’Dell were on display.
My lucky day! We were in!
My friend is a quilt maker who is currently immersed in learning upholstery as well, most often restoring antiques. In the past few months alone, she has taken on twenty-plus chairs and stools for family and friends so I knew she would be most impressed when seeing the beautiful pieces in The Johnston Collection.
The arrangement is to rendez-vous in the Pullman hotel foyer opposite the Jolimont station, then to be transported around the block in a minibus to the Johnston home and museum. This would be my fifth visit but my excitement was still fresh. Such is the extent of the collection that the exhibits are never exactly the same.
On arrival we are greeted by our volunteer guide, Julie, who invites us into the drawing room for some light refreshments and a brief explanation of our visit. In a masterful stroke of history-making, this particular tour “Home Comforts”, drew its inspiration from some small family portraits scattered throughout the home.
Kathy’s review cont’
The fascinating story of Johnston, the antiques dealer, evolves room by room. Visitors are escorted through the home as would a guest but taking great care not to succumb to any temptation to touch the exhibits. Julie’s depth of knowledge and ability to make seemingly small, simple details come alive is truly impressive.
However, all too soon it is time to depart. A last minute visit to the gift shop is too enticing as the quality of the gifts is always very good.
No doubt many Seniors In Melbourne subscribers would enjoy this outing but keep in mind the following few tips:
- It is best to arrive by train or tram as parking in the area is difficult to find. Hence the mini-bus.
- The parking meter system has recently been up-graded. Read the signs carefully.
- There are some stairs to negotiate. And no lift.
- There are also talks and other events on their calendar which can be accessed on their website.
- Several times I have gifted a visit to TJC as a birthday or Christmas gift, especially to those who it might be difficult to buy for.
- Lastly, my friend and I came prepared to enjoy our packed lunch afterwards in the magnificent Fitzroy Gardens, just a few minutes walk down the street.
A visit to The Johnston Collection is a treat that keeps on giving.
Walking through an 18th-century home
Each room of Fairhall has been re-imagined to reflect how families lived during the Georgian and Regency periods of the long eighteenth century.
As you move through the house, you’ll encounter:
- A merchant’s dining room, designed for entertaining
- A nursery, complete with dolls’ house and cradle
- A breakfast room, where fashionable luxuries such as tea, coffee, chocolate and spices were enjoyed
- A gentleman’s study, reflecting the commercial world of the time
- An elegant drawing room, set for family gatherings and musical evenings
- A working kitchen, revealing the labour of household staff
Rather than feeling staged or theatrical, the rooms offer a quiet sense of daily life — how people lived, worked, rested and found comfort within their homes.
Comfort, innovation and everyday luxuries
Home Comforts also explores how new ideas and technologies transformed domestic life. Visitors will discover objects that were once cutting-edge innovations, including the piano, indoor gas lighting, thermometers and carbonated water.
It’s a gentle reminder that many of the comforts we now take for granted were once exciting novelties — and that the idea of “home comfort” has been evolving for centuries.
Need to know before you go
This is a pre-booked experience
All visits to The Johnston Collection must be booked in advance. This applies to individuals, couples and groups.
You don’t go straight to the house
Because The Johnston Collection is located in a residential area, the address is not made public. Instead, visitors meet at Pullman Melbourne on the Park, 192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, around 10 minutes before their scheduled tour or event.
From there, friendly Visitor Services staff escort you on a short (less than five minutes) ride in the courtesy bus to Fairhall.
Small groups, unhurried pace
Tours are deliberately kept intimate, with no more than eight visitors per guide, making it easy to hear, ask questions and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
Allow around 1.5 hours
A guided house museum tour takes up to 90 minutes, including time to enjoy tea or Market Lane coffee served in Wedgwood fine bone china, and a browse in the TJC Emporium for books, gifts and homewares.
Getting back is easy
At the end of your visit, you can either:
- Return to the Pullman Melbourne on the Park via the courtesy bus, or
- Depart directly from The Johnston Collection.
Opening days and times
Tours run Wednesday to Sunday at:
10am
12pm
2pm
The Collection is closed on public holidays.
Tickets and pricing
Home Comforts runs until 12 April 2026, with all visits pre-booked and carefully timed to keep groups small and the experience relaxed.
Every ticket includes:
- A welcoming introduction by a knowledgeable Volunteer Guide
- An intimate guided tour, with no more than eight visitors per guide
- Tea or Market Lane coffee, served in Wedgwood fine bone china
- Time to browse the TJC Emporium, featuring exclusive gifts, books and homewares
Ticket prices
- Adult: $30
- Concession (including Seniors Card holders): $28
- Friends of The Johnston Collection: $25
- Students (secondary/tertiary): $20
- Children (8–12 years): $15
- Groups of 8 or more: $23 per person
Gift certificates are also available and make a thoughtful present, particularly for anyone who enjoys history, decorative arts and a truly civilised afternoon out.
Comfortable shoes are important
Fairhall is a historic home with stairs, steps and some uneven surfaces. Supportive, comfortable footwear is strongly recommended.
Photography is allowed (with limits)
You’re welcome to take photos on your phone for personal use. Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks and video recording are not permitted.
Age policy
Children must be 8 years and over, have their own booking, and be supervised by an adult at all times.
Public transport encouraged
Visitors are encouraged to arrive at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park via public transport, which is well serviced by trams and nearby train stations.
Accessibility at Fairhall
The Johnston Collection is housed in Fairhall, a historic 1860s townhouse, and its heritage layout does place some limits on access.
There is no lift in the house museum. Access to the second floor requires climbing a steep staircase, with 21 steps to the first landing, followed by a further 8 steps to reach the upper level. Visitors who are unable to manage stairs should be aware that parts of the exhibition are located upstairs.
An accessible, gender-neutral bathroom is available on the ground floor of the administration building, adjacent to the house museum.
If you have any medical, mobility or access needs that require special consideration, it’s strongly recommended that you contact The Johnston Collection before booking. The team is helpful and happy to discuss options.
Phone: +61 3 9416 2515
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