Jamie Allpress Rearranges

Mr Johnston's Collection

Opening Night Speech by Jamie Allpress Tuesday 9th March 2010

                                                       Photos by Russell Winnell

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for coming.

Thank you to the Johnston Collection for giving me the honour of dressing this beautiful home.  Thank you to Robert Thompson for nominating me, also thank you to Louis Le Vaillant and Olivia Gill and the entire staff and volunteers for their wonderful assistance and support.  Also a special thanks to Ross, for his hard work re-hanging all the art. I have never seen such a devoted team.

One of the most enjoyable parts of being an antique dealer is assisting in the decorating of someones home or workplace, whether selling to a decorator, advising an architect or taking that special piece into a trusting customers home I really wounldn't want to be in any other profession.

Over the past 20 years in business I have been blessed to build such an exciting group of contacts, from fellow dealers and auctioneers such as John Ainger who has recommended our restoration service from day one.  John in the early days of my career certainly kept me going, as it's a long slow climb to build a reputation.

Over the years I have also made some wonderful friends with my customers, many of whom are here tonight.  Some assist me in my shop now, such as, Mary Adamson, Bridget Evans, Jann Smeaton, Suzi Mann, Suellen Quin and Mike Preeston.  I really have an amazing and caring team.  A special thanks to Bridget and Suzi for their valuable assistance dressing the Johnston Collection.

Shane Smith, a long time friend, who worked along side me with my mentor John Henry Walter Cockburn, it's great to have you with us all.

My wife Donna, for putting up with me and by doing the books and keeping us usually out of the red!!!!!!!

My beautiful daughter Allie, for being here tonight to take photos and just for being here.

Also my father and mother in laws, John and Margaret Quin and their amazing family, what a family they've made.  Something I have always longed for and am so proud to be a part of.

So thanks again to the Johnston Collection, I'm  very grateful to be part of this amazing family.