The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Powerhouse Museum acquires David Jones’ archive, brimming with forgotten stories of Australia’s past

  • Written by Mark Ian Jones, Senior Lecturer, School of Art and Design, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, UNSW Sydney
Powerhouse Museum acquires David Jones’ archive, brimming with forgotten stories of Australia’s past

David Jones is donating its archive to Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum[1], it has been announced today. It is a timely reminder of the significance of “DJs”, Australia’s oldest department store, to the development of modern Australia.

David Jones’ archive was overseen by Barbara Horton[2] for 35 years.

Since she retired in 2010, David Jones has changed hands[3] several times and the archive, holding over 185 years of history, has been locked away with limited access.

Thankfully, DJs’ heritage is now secure for the future and access to this significant cultural asset will again be possible.

The shaping of an emporium

Archives[4] are important records of our past. They help us to tell stories about how we developed, lived and learned – and the David Jones archive is brimming with forgotten stories of Australia’s past.

DJs opened its first store in Sydney’s George Street in 1838 selling fabrics, clothing and haberdashery.

A line of women at a complicated machine.
David Jones employees lining up to clock on, Sydney December 1930. Fairfax archive/Trove[5]

Mail order began in 1887, a clothing factory in Surry Hills followed in 1914 and three Sydney stores by 1938. The first interstate stores opened in Perth and Brisbane in 1954.

Of particular interest in the archive are the papers of David Jones’ chairman from 1920 to 1958, Sir Charles Lloyd Jones[6], or CL as he was known.

These papers reveal a remarkable story of good business and good will. The grandson of founder David Jones, CL was an innovator in department stores not just in Australia, but the world.

Sir Charles Lloyd Jones at his desk, 1932. Fairfax archive/Trove[7]

Trained as an artist at Julian Ashton’s Sydney Art School[8] and a lifelong patron of the arts, CL saw the store as more than a business. His vision for the stores was one of an institution displaying art and culture and a window to the world.

He established the David Jones Art Gallery in 1928, an early promoter of modern art and design.

Sir Charles Lloyd Jones (left) and the Governor of New South Wales, Sir John Northcott (middle), inspect Swedish glassware in David Jones’ Art Gallery in June 1954. Courtesy Embassy of Sweden in Australia

He pioneered modern advertising at DJs in 1902, bringing American trends of larger ads with white space and illustrations to Australia.

CL employed artists and copywriters to realise this and by the 1950s, DJs’ advertising department was run by Sydney’s leading ad women – long before the “mad” men of the 1960s.

His background as an artist, passion for marketing and the welfare of his workers set DJs apart from its competitors.

Pressure cooker dessert set, paper, ink, designed by Gordon Andrews, David Jones, Australia, 1946‒55. Powerhouse Collection, Object No. 89/735-18/14

With the opening of the Elizabeth Street store in 1927, staff could relax in a staff lounge and order subsidised meals from DJs’ Great Restaurant. They enjoyed a 15% staff discount, above award leave entitlements, long service bonuses, subsidised training opportunities, in house medical and dental, and an annual ball.

Things were done differently. There was a level of creativity and style across every facet of the business that few stores could match.

Advertising poster: ‘Black and White wear it here there and everywhere David Jones’, paper, ink, David Jones, Sydney, Australia, 1952. David Jones Archive

Creative Australia

The archive contains connections between DJs and some of Australia’s great creative minds.

There are links to members of the Sydney Push[9] group, Max Dupain[10]’s iconic photographs and Gordon Andrews’[11] distinctive brand and packaging design.

There are the designers Marion Hall Best[12], Dahl Collings[13] and Douglas Annand[14] – and a cast of other forgotten characters.

A model and a mannequin in a ski outfit. A window display by David Jones with an architectural model of the city in the film Lost Horizon, 1937. Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales[15]

The David Jones Store News contains fascinating insights to a community of fiercely loyal staff known as “Dajoneans”.

The newspaper contains information about the staff amateur theatre group, choir, holiday competitions, travel, balls, weddings, retirements, births, deaths, store news from across Australia, courses and advice columns.

The archive also includes photographs of DJs’ theatrical window displays – and a story of one featuring a live python that escaped overnight.

A choir on stairs. David Jones’ Coronation Choir singing in the Elizabeth Street store, June 1953. Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales[16]

A window to the world

One of my favourite stories from the archive is that of the international exhibitions the stores once held, bringing international design and goods to Australian shoppers.

Inspired by American department store events, Sweden at David Jones[17] opened in June 1954.

People look at displays. David Jones Art Gallery during Sweden at David Jones in 1954. Courtesy Embassy of Sweden in Australia

It was a huge exhibition seen by thousands of visitors from across Australia. Visitors ate smörgåsbord, marvelled at jet engines, saw the first Volvo in Australia and a SAAB Safir plane that was craned in through the windows of the fourth floor of the Market Street store to gobsmacked onlookers.

They saw a museum collection of Swedish glass, ceramics and furniture and a model home complete with a streamlined kitchen that – according to news reports – had women gasping and men secretly taking measurements. Gossip pages reported at Sydney’s chicest parties, “skål” had replaced cheers.

Many hands guide the Safir through a window in DJs’ Market Street store, June 1954. Courtesy Embassy of Sweden in Australia

This was followed by Italy at David Jones in 1955 and 1966, before a host of other events including Asian, Mediterranean, American, Scandinavian, Danish, Finnish, German, British and more. Items shown in these events are already in national collections.

Uncovering stories

The Art Gallery of New South Wales holds 148 artworks acquired through DJs’ Art Gallery between 1928 and 1992, and the archive of David Jones Art Gallery was donated to the Art Gallery of New South Wales in 2012, where it became key to untangling the recent Asian art smuggling scandal[18].

Max Dupain photographing model on Cronulla Sandhills, gelatin silver print, Olive Cotton, Sydney, Australia, taken 1937, printed 1992. Shows Dupain on the Cronulla sand dunes shooting for a David Jones advertisement. Powerhouse Collection, Object No. 95/317/1

Now the rest of DJs’ archive will be secured and more accessible at Powerhouse, and more stories wait to be uncovered and told.

While the department store continues to transform, its history remains as a testament to its resilience and may provide clues as to how it might transform its future.

Objects from the archives are on display at the former David Jones Art Gallery on Level 8 of DJs’ Elizabeth Street store, Sydney, until August 25.

References

  1. ^ Powerhouse Museum (powerhouse.com.au)
  2. ^ Barbara Horton (www.smh.com.au)
  3. ^ changed hands (www.news.com.au)
  4. ^ Archives (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ Fairfax archive/Trove (nla.gov.au)
  6. ^ Sir Charles Lloyd Jones (adb.anu.edu.au)
  7. ^ Fairfax archive/Trove (nla.gov.au)
  8. ^ Sydney Art School (adb.anu.edu.au)
  9. ^ Sydney Push (dictionaryofsydney.org)
  10. ^ Max Dupain (www.sl.nsw.gov.au)
  11. ^ Gordon Andrews’ (www.daao.org.au)
  12. ^ Marion Hall Best (mhnsw.au)
  13. ^ Dahl Collings (www.daao.org.au)
  14. ^ Douglas Annand (nga.gov.au)
  15. ^ Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales (search.sl.nsw.gov.au)
  16. ^ Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales (search.sl.nsw.gov.au)
  17. ^ Sweden at David Jones (doi.org)
  18. ^ Asian art smuggling scandal (www.abc.net.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/powerhouse-museum-acquires-david-jones-archive-brimming-with-forgotten-stories-of-australias-past-234373

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...