Andree Johnston-Bell (1917-2007), pioneer publisher of articles on Australian antiques, was born in China of Belgian parents and educated in Belgium. After returning to China and living for a time in Shanghai, she moved to Bombay early in the war. There, she became the editor of the Onlooker, a monthly glossy magazine. In this capacity she moved in political and artistic circles, meeting Nehru, Gandhi and Tata. She married David Johnston-Bell, who was serving with Lord Mountbatten in Combined Operations; they became friends with the Langhammers, and collected works by the artists in the Progressive School. After moving to Australia in 1950 the Johnston-Bells bought a number of magazines, including The Australian Collector, which under Andree's editorship, and with a range of distinguished contributors, soon became something of a collector's item in itself. One of her triumphs was the publication of previously-unseen engravings of botanical specimens collected by Banks and Solander. Upon retirement, she worked as a volunteer at the State Library of New South Wales, translating 17th century French manuscripts.
Please note alternative access routes are in place for entry to the Gallery from the visitor car park from Monday 24 August to Wednesday 26 August. Please follow signage and directions from staff.
