Trevor Hancock Lecture Series: Art Deco and Australian Colonial Jewellery

In November 2025, David Roche Gallery welcomes antique dealer Trevor Hancock. In this captivating lecture series, Trevor will delve into the elegance of Art Deco jewellery and the rich heritage of Australian colonial jewellery.

Lecture 1 - Art Deco Jewellery

Wednesday 19 November 2025, 6:00–7:15pm

This year marks a century since Art Deco first dazzled the world at the landmark 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs Modernes in Paris. Born from a desire for elegance and modernity after the horrors of the First World War, the style prided itself on fusing craftsmanship with geometric forms, luxurious materials, and a forward-looking optimism. This presentation, with exhibits, will show the lead up to Art Deco jewellery and give an opportunity to explore the never ending love of this jewellery. Guests are invited to dress appropriately for this evening of style.

Lecture 2 - Australian Colonial Jewellery

Thursday 20 November 2025, 6:00–7:15pm

Shortly after the 1851 Australian Gold Rush began, there was a demand for jewellery to be crafted from the treasured gold dug up. Not only was jewellery needed to ‘send home' as a sign of success and a souvenir, but successful miners needed jewellery to adorn their dress and show all their new wealth. European trained jewellers flourished in both the colonial cities and small rural towns.

About the speaker

Trevor Hancock has been an antique dealer for over 25 years. He is well known for unusual and unique pieces, mainly found in the United Kingdom. His expertise is in Australian Colonial jewellery and he has found important pieces now housed in The National Gallery of Australia, The National Library, The National Museum, and State galleries, including the Art Gallery of South Australia. His discovery of the signet ring belonging to the South Australian Constitution Convention Member and First President of the Australian Senate, Sir Richard Baker, has led to it now being housed in the Old Parliament House Collection, Canberra.

Trevor is a Board Member of the Australian Antique and Art Dealers Association, an Expert Advisor under the Australian Movable Cultural Heritage Act, an Assessor under the Australian Cultural Gifts Program, and a regular contributor on ABC radio.

This presentation will include some exciting examples from this period and some pieces with historic significance. A rare and specialty curated collection of South Australian colonial pieces will be publicly shown for the first time.

Each ticket includes one beverage on arrival.

Limited parking available on-site.

Wheelchair accessible.

Banner image: A French Art Deco Jabot pin in original box. Platinum, diamonds and onyx c.1920