As the 19th century was drawing to a close, society looked ahead to the unknown with a mixture of anticipative excitement and a sense of nostalgia for the past. The new century heralded the end of the old order and the beginning of the modern world and it brought with it a mood of radical change and air of decadence. This period, flanking both sides of the turn of the century (1880-1914), was known as Fin de Siecle.

A culturally vibrant period, it was an age of decadence, lavishness and opulence. The Fin de Siecle spirit was echoed in the fashions of the day. Confections of cascading lace, diaphanous fabrics in pastel shades, delicate ruffles and rich embroidery set the trend, as fashion moved towards a softer, dreamier style. This was the era Art Nouveau, the Aesthetics movement and iconic couturier houses such as Charles Worth of Paris.

Drawing on the nationally significant Ayers House costume collection, Fin de Siecle Fashion will comprise a selection of lavish gowns and accessories from this decadent era. The exhibition will highlight the richness of fabrics, extravagance of ornamentation, high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail which characterised fashion of this era. Gowns will be on display throughout the historic interior of Ayers House from 27th February until the end May.

That much-loved British institution, the Antiques Roadshow attracts serious devotees from the world over not least of all Australia. Sadly the Roadshow team has never made it as far as Adelaide but in March the next best thing, the Bonham's team of experts, will be hosting an appraisal evening at Ayers House Museum.

Experts, James Bruce and Geoffrey Smith will appraise and discuss a selection of items before an audience.

This evening is perfect for lovers of antiques who simply wish to learn more about decorative arts and paintings and enjoy watching the process of appraising antiques. It is also an ideal opportunity for those who have always wanted to know more about an item they treasure.

Please note: ONE object per person may be brought in for appraisal although it is not a requirement of attendance that you bring an object. Due to time limitations, it will not be possible for the panel to cover ALL items on the night and we cannot guarantee that your item will be selected for review before the audience. In this case, you will be invited to have your object appraised by Bonhams subsequent to the event.

Do you enjoy learning? Are you interested in antiques, architecture and history? Would like to share your interest with other people? Then you should attend...

The Ayers House Introductory Guide Training Course

SESSION 1: The Work of the National Trust and The Architecture of Ayers House

Ian Stephenson, CEO, National Trust of South Australia will provide an insight into the work of the National Trust and the extensive range of historic buildings in its portfolio or properties. The second part of the lecture will focus on the architecture of Ayers House and its Colonial architect, George Strickland Kingston. It will also delve into the 19th century streetscape of North Terrace, how it has evolved, and the thriving and diverse East End of Adelaide in which Ayers House is situated.

Ayers House Introductory Guide Training Course

SESSION 2: The Ayers House Collections

Presented by Hannah Phillip, Manager and Curator, Ayers House Museum.

From silver to art, furniture to furnishings, objets d'art to costume, the Ayers House collection comprises an extensive range of exquisite and historically significant artefacts. This session will look at the items that make up the Ayers House collection and will feature a behind the scene tour of Ayers House and its collections.

Ayers House Introductory Guide Training Course

SESSION 3: The People of Ayers House

Presented by Hannah Phillip, Manager and Curator, Ayers House Museum.

Looking at the man behind Ayers House, this lecture will introduce Sir Henry Ayers, Premier, politician and influential businessman in the history of Adelaide. The lecture will also look at the other inhabitants of Ayers House: Sir Henry's family, its below stairs occupants (the servants) and the ongoing uses and users of the property into the 20th century.

Hanhndorf Branch Chair Anni Luur-Fox will talk abouth the pioneering German women of Hahndorf

Featuring the Humphrey Pump, Steam and/or Diesel Train, Engines, Tractor rides and National Trust displays.

With the appropriate Victorian backdrop of Ayers House, David Ruston will give a demonstration based talk on Period Flowers in Period Settings.

Spanning from the 19th century and through the Edwardian and 1920-30s periods, until the present day, David will look at the art of arranging and displaying flowers in their appropriate context. The afternoon's programme will include a lavish English afternoon tea. For those with an interest in gardens, heritage and historic houses, this is a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Speaker will be arranged by the Local History Centre Librarian, Sue Sautter.

Featuring the Humphrey Pump, Steam and/or Diesel Train, Engines, Tractor rides and National Trust displays.

Featuring the Humphrey Pump, Steam and/or Diesel Train, Engines, Tractor rides and National Trust displays.

Bring food to share with each other.

Table Topic: Discipline, good manners and customs, Then and Now!

Speaker Anne Herraman has just completed a thesis covering this topic.

Featuring the Humphrey Pump, Steam and/or Diesel Train, Engines, Tractor rides and National Trust displays.