One of Australia’s most exceptional collections of decorative arts is on display at the David Roche Foundation House Museum in Adelaide, which opened in June.
The museum houses Roche’s collection of antiques, paintings and objects d’art accumulated over his lifetime.
“David lived with his collection; he wanted the public to be able to access it, walk among it and, within reason, handle it and turn it upside down,” said museum director Martyn Cook.
As was Roche’s wish, his home, Fermoy House, is part of the museum and remains almost as it was when he lived there.
An addition to the house is a purpose-built gallery with three gallery rooms.
The rooms of Fermoy House are furnished and decorated with his art and antiques, displayed in the opulent manner they were when he lived there until his death in 2013.
The collection features furniture, porcelain, clocks, metalware, ceramics and textiles. Highlights include a Charles Percier and Pierre-Francois Fontain designed table circa 1830, a monumental glass Russian vase on pedestal (circa 1830) and a late 18th century portrait of Catherine the Great.
The gallery also features a display highlighting Roche’s love and passion for dogs, dog breeding and judging with paintings and porcelain related to dogs.
The David Roche Foundation Museum, 241 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide. Booked tours only: Tuesday to Saturday 10am, noon and 2pm. Bookings on (08) 8267-3677, www.rochefoundation. com.au
