Australian Toys 1880–1965: The Luke Jones Collection

Exhibition

1 June to 24 August 2024

General Entry

Tuesday to Saturday
10:00am–4:00pm
(closed Public Holidays)

Guided Tours

Thursdays
11:30am–12:15pm
(commencing 13 June)

(Ticket does not include entry to Fermoy House and The David Roche Collection, please purchase a Guided House Tour ticket for this. A Guided House Tour ticket includes entry to Australian Toys exhibition)

In simpler times before smart phones and video games, we played with tin toys, wooden trucks, and paper planes.

Rediscover the excitement and wonder of childhood through this exhibition of historic Australian toys from the collection of Luke Jones. Initiated by a 9-year-old North Adelaide paperboy’s earnings, Jones has nurtured and researched his extensive collection for over 40 years. From board games to a toy Hills Hoist, this exhibition provides a detailed insight into Australian childhood through the lens of play. You will see a fascinating range of Australian toys made between the 1880s and the 1960s, including refined lithographed tinplate toys of the 1920s, charming folk art creations, mass-produced toys that emerged during the post-war period, and European and Japanese made toys with local relevance. Be engaged by toys which are inspired by historic events, be entertained by toys which celebrate Australia’s love of sport, and be enchanted by fantasy creations straight from toymakers’ imaginations.

Stroll down memory lane and share the nostalgia with your own children through Australian Toys 1880–1965: The Luke Jones Collection. Only at The David Roche Foundation, Adelaide.

Admission Prices

Adult: $12.00
Concession: $10.00 (Seniors, Pensioners, Full Time Students, Museums Australia members)
Members: $9.00
Children under 12 (accompanied by paying adult): Free
(All prices include GST)

Entry to exhibition must be made on the day that the ticket has been purchased for.

Please choose carefully. All bookings are final; no refunds or transfers once tickets have been purchased.

Guided Tours

Each Thursday, join one of our volunteer guides on a tour of the exhibition. Bookings can be made by selecting the 11:30am - 12:15pm time slot when purchasing a ticket. Price is the same as the entrance fee. You are welcome to enter the exhibition before the guided tour begins, and to carry on viewing the exhibition after the guided tour finishes. Guided tours commence on Thursday 13 June.

Parking

Limited free parking is available onsite for visitors to The David Roche Foundation House Museum.

Disabled Access

Disabled car parking is available. The house and galleries accommodate wheelchair access, although access is limited in some areas of the house, which is a Federation villa. Mobility scooters are not suitable for use in either the house or the galleries. Both ambulant and non-ambulant toilets are available.

Please make us aware of the special needs of any member of your group in advance of your arrival, so that we can offer every assistance.

Call (08) 8267 3677 for further information.

Link Image: Leckie and Gray, Sunshine Biscuits from Ballarat Truck, 1930s, tinplate, lithography. Collection: Luke Jones. Photography: Mark Spaven.