The Johnston Collection contains a small number of objects from the Netherlands, including three paintings. Their subjects range from a grand sea battle between the English and the Dutch in the manner of Abraham Storck (circa 1670), a dark still life of flowers from the circle of Jean Baptiste Monnoyer (circa 1720), to a rather chaotic cat fight taking place on a table laden with food, attributed to Jan Fijt (circa 1650). Annette Welkamp spoke on the topic of Men o’ war, tulips & some very naughty cats: three dutch paintings in the Johnston Collection. This lecture contextualised these by exploring the Dutch obsession with the sea, trade, bulbs and sideboards groaning with food, particularly as it is presented in paintings. Wednesday 3 August 2011. The Johnston Collection, East Melbourne.

Despite its small size, the Netherlands undoubtedly became the centre of world trade during the 17th century. It was rich, powerful, innovative and influential. The 18th century witnessed a slow and slight decline in comparison, especially with rising competition from France and England. Annette Welkamp recently presented the lecture Not quite the Golden Age, but still rather grand: some Dutch architecture & interiors from 1750 to 1850 on 19 July 2011 at The Johnston Collection. Guests were taken on a tour of well-known and less familiar houses, palaces and other properties across the country, including Paleis Het Loo (Apeldoorn), Fraeylemaborg (Slochteren) and Teylers Museum (Harlem). The Johnston Collection, East Melbourne.

Cultural Connotations has recently finished preparing a public arts policy for the Shire of Glenelg. The Shire extends over an area of 6,212 sq. kilometres, so there is a lot of ground to cover. Located on the coast in the far west of Victoria, there are great opportunities for public art. Towns in the Shire include Portland, Heywood, Casterton, Merino and Nelson, and there are many places in between. Watch those spaces.

We have recently finished a significance assessment of the Arts Project Australia collection of artworks and archives. This important collection is as fascinating as it is extensive.