David Roche Gallery

David Roche Gallery Presenting 3000+ antiques, paintings & objets d'art accumulated by David Roche AM over his lifetime. David J.K. Follow us on Instagram for more.
(1)

Roche AM (1930 – 2013) was a devoted collector of antiques and fine art. Based in North Adelaide, South Australia he left his amazing collection in the home in which he lived as a legacy in trust for the Australian people. The collection at Fermoy House is a tribute to his fine eye and his great appreciation for the most beautiful furniture, ceramics, clocks, paintings, barometers, glassware, silv

er, mirrors and more. David hoped everyone who visited his House Museum and Gallery would find a special piece to remember.

'Making Old New: DRG 10th Anniversary' celebrates the intimate relationship between makers both past and present, their ...
28/05/2026

'Making Old New: DRG 10th Anniversary' celebrates the intimate relationship between makers both past and present, their materials and their handmade techniques, and offers the possibility of new insights and dialogues between the work of contemporary artists and historical works held in the Gallery. Ten eminent South Australian artists and ten JamFactory alumni from 2016-2026 were invited to select works from the David Roche collection as a departure point to create inspiring new works. The artists had the freedom to assess, discuss, and study works that interested them. Spanning ceramics, glass, jewellery, furniture, and sculpture, the 20 reimagined pieces respond to a variety of collection items. Some artists selected iconic works from the collection, while others were drawn to more humble pieces, all resonating with their own values and passions for creating. See these incredibly talented artists work up close and many more. 'Making Old New' open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Free entry.

Images:
Takeshi Iue, designer, Stephen Bowers, decorator, Chess casket, 2026
Germany, Games table, 1835, David Roche Collection
Lotte Schwerdtfeger, Nerikomi Urn I, Nerikomi Urn III, Nerikomi Urn II, 2026.
Britain, Blue John vase, c.1800, David Roche Collection.
Emma Young, Cheetah poche (one of two) 2026
France, Vide poche torcheres (one of two), 1780-90, David Roche Collection

Images:

26/05/2026

Presenting ceramics, glass, furniture, and sculpture by some of SA’s most loved artists and exciting up-and-coming talent, the exhibition also draws upon the rich holdings of David Roche's collection.

22/05/2026

‘Making Old New: DRG 10th Anniversary’ opens tomorrow!

Take a look behind the scenes and just a glimpse into some of the extraordinary work featured in this new exciting exhibition. Bringing together twenty South Australian artists associated with , responding to twenty works from the DRG collection.

Showcasing ceramics, glass, furniture, jewellery and sculpture from emerging, mid-career and senior artists, David Roche Gallery is honoured to have worked closely with such an incredibly talented group of individuals and to have witnessed the dedication, excitement and thoughtfulness with which they engaged with the collection.

‘Making Old New’ celebrates the accomplishments of past makers and is proud to support South Australia’s dynamic contribution as a powerhouse of contemporary craft and design. We can’t wait to welcome you. Free entry. Book your tickets online or walk-ins are also welcome.

21/05/2026

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we spoke with some of our wonderful volunteers to hear what they love most about being part of David Roche Gallery.
Thank you to Robyn, Mitra, Ann, and June for giving us a bit of their insight into volunteering at David Roche Gallery. A heartfelt thank you to all of our dedicated and passionate volunteers whose generosity, enthusiasm, and ongoing support help David Roche Gallery continue its vision as a centre of excellence and a leader in decorative arts in Australia.

Happy National Volunteers Week!This week we celebrate the remarkable volunteers who are such an integral part of David R...
21/05/2026

Happy National Volunteers Week!

This week we celebrate the remarkable volunteers who are such an integral part of David Roche Gallery. Our volunteers bring such a wide variety of skills, knowledge, experience, and joy to the gallery, for which we are very lucky and grateful. As we approach our 10th Anniversary, we thank you for your continued support and commitment which enables DRG to fulfil its vision and uphold its values.

On this day in 1804, the French Sénat conservateur granted Napoleon with the title ‘Emperor of the French.’ This act her...
18/05/2026

On this day in 1804, the French Sénat conservateur granted Napoleon with the title ‘Emperor of the French.’ This act heralded the end of the French Consulate and the beginning of the French First Empire.

David Roche Gallery is custodian to a distinctive collection of Napoleonic period art and objects. Among these are a personal pistol presented to Napoleon by British sportsman and Francophile Colonel Thomas Thornton; a portrait of Désirée Clary, the one-time fiancée of Napoleon Bonaparte who later became, Queen of Sweden; and a portrait miniature of Napoleon II, son of Napoleon and his second wife Marie-Louise.

A tour of Fermoy House brings you into contact with the artistic and political history of the Napoleonic period. Book your visit today.

Happy International Museum Day Museums play a vital role in preserving history, celebrating creativity, and inspiring fu...
17/05/2026

Happy International Museum Day

Museums play a vital role in preserving history, celebrating creativity, and inspiring future generations. At David Roche Gallery, we are proud to continue David Roche’s legacy and vision by protecting and sharing one of Australia’s most remarkable collections of fine and decorative arts.
One man’s tastes and experiences of art museums, palaces, country houses and house museums are collated into a home that can only be David’s, but one that also acknowledges his other lifelong commitment, of showing dogs.
As DRG turns 10 years this year, we continue to protect, preserve, and share David Roche’s extraordinary legacy for future generations.

This week, the Art Deco & Modernism, Adelaide Chapter presented David Roche Gallery with a Commendation for ‘support, r...
14/05/2026

This week, the Art Deco & Modernism, Adelaide Chapter presented David Roche Gallery with a Commendation for ‘support, recognition and celebration of 100 years of Art Deco with a world class exhibition of art, fashion, design and architecture drawn from South Australia’s finest collections.’ This is the first time ADMSA Adelaide Chapter has presented a Commendation for a public exhibition or event.

Displayed at David Roche Gallery from November 2025 to January 2026, Art Deco: A Modern Vision brought together nearly 200 objects to tell the story of Art Deco’s European origins, it’s migration around the world, and its impact on Australian art, architecture, and way of life. The exhibition resonated clearly with our visitors, lead to our highest exhibition attendance since we opened nearly ten years ago.

David Roche Gallery is honoured to receive this Commendation and is proud to have supported the Society’s objective of ‘preservation through appreciation.’

Last week, we had the privilege of welcoming author and art sleuth Andrew Turley for a special evening exploring 'The Lo...
14/05/2026

Last week, we had the privilege of welcoming author and art sleuth Andrew Turley for a special evening exploring 'The Lost History of Sidney Nolan’s Adelaide Ladies', set within the beauty of the Roman Room. Iconic Australian artist Sidney Nolan painted 63 portraits of women to represent Australia’s modern identity. Andrew Turley revealed the hidden secrets and themes layered within the works. It was a wonderful evening, thank you to everyone who joined us. Stay tuned for more upcoming talks, events, and special programs at the Gallery.

Exciting progress is underway in the Gallery’s redevelopment. Foundations for the new courtyard and café have now been l...
07/05/2026

Exciting progress is underway in the Gallery’s redevelopment. Foundations for the new courtyard and café have now been laid, with paving and landscaping soon to follow.

Behind the scenes, works are continuing across key areas including the loading dock, storage, and workshop spaces (pictures 3 & 4), all designed to enhance both visitor experience and gallery operations.

We’re proud to be working alongside Design by WBL and Aube Projects, whose shared vision places people and South Australian culture at the heart of these thoughtful, design-led upgrades.

As Director Robert Reason shares, this redevelopment marks a significant step forward, creating richer visitor experiences alongside meaningful operational improvements.

"What excites us about this stage of the gallery’s development is how it brings together and expands on the initial remit of the Foundation to make a visit to the gallery a more fulsome and enveloping experience. David Roche Gallery contains a unique collection of global relevance and the opportunity to expand on the impact and association of the original collection to allow better accommodation of travelling exhibitions is an exciting vision to be part of. " - David Burton, Director Design by WBL

We look forward to welcome you to the newly renovated spaces. Stay tuned for more updates.

This year, David Roche Gallery celebrates 10 years of opening Fermoy House and David Roche’s remarkable fine and decorat...
05/05/2026

This year, David Roche Gallery celebrates 10 years of opening Fermoy House and David Roche’s remarkable fine and decorative arts collection to audiences nationally and internationally. To mark this milestone, we are proud to present 'Making Old New: DRG 10th Anniversary'. This exhibition brings together works of art from DRG's 18th to early 20th-century European and British collection with contemporary responses by 20 South Australian artists associated with the JamFactory. Featuring both established figures and more recent alumni, each artist has selected a piece from the collection as inspiration to create something entirely new. 'Making Old New: DRG 10th Anniversary' celebrates Adelaide’s vital role in shaping craft and design in Australia, and the enduring legacy of David Roche–whose passion for exceptional design and craftsmanship continues to inspire future generations.

Opening 23 May. FREE exhibition.
We look forward to welcoming you. More details coming soon.

Address

241 Melbourne Street
North Adelaide, SA
5006

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

0882673677

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when David Roche Gallery posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to David Roche Gallery:

Shortcuts

Share

Category