Events
Join us for one of the upcoming events that celebrates the history of John Martin's.
The Big Store Documentary
A special 20-minute preview of the upcoming documentary, John Martin’s | The Big Store, which is currently being produced by ABCX Productions.
Following the preview will be a Q&A panel with the ABCX team, Greg Ashman, Andrew Burch and Kristy Copley as well as John Martin’s author, Paul Flavel.
This is an event not to be missed for lovers of shopping in a bygone era.
Marion Culture Centre
Friday 1 May 2026 7:00PM - 8:30PM
$15.00
Going to Town: Adelaide Department Stores
Join John Martin’s author, Paul Flavel, and architectural historian, Dr Julie Collins, for a journey into town as they reminisce about shopping in a bygone era. Together they’ll discuss what made shopping worth dressing up for when department stores ruled the high street, whether it was Cox Foy’s, Miller Anderson, Birks, Moores, or Johnnies.
Adelaide Town Hall - Meeting Hall
25 Pirie Street, Adelaide CBD
Tuesday 5 May
10:30AM-11:45AM
$10.00
Remembering The Gallerie Shopping Centre
Join John Martin’s author Paul Flavel and placemaker Barrie Harrop for a unique look back at The Gallerie Shopping Centre. Its 1979 opening offered a distinctive shopping experience and introduced Adelaide to the first R.M. Williams store, along with favourites like Orange Julius, Max’s chips, and Oscar’s coffee. Harrop’s vision for The Gallerie later inspired his development of Melbourne Central.
Adelaide Town Hall - Meeting Room
25 Pirie Street, Adelaide CBD
Tuesday 5 May
2:00PM - 3:15PM
The History of John Martin's
Join author Paul Flavel as he marks what would’ve been John Martin’s 160th year. He’ll share stories from his research, insights from creating his book, and reflections on the legacy of the iconic Adelaide department store. A nostalgic and engaging look back at a place many remember fondly.
State Library of SA - Hetzel Lecture Theatre
Wednesday 6 May 2026 11AM - 12PM
FREE
Christmas at John Martin's
Join author Paul Flavel in conversation with Kerry Williams, daughter of the late Sam Rose, legendary manager of the John Martin’s Christmas Pageant.
They’ll discuss the Pageant, the Magic Cave, and pay tribute to Sam as they reflect on the enduring Christmas memories of John Martin’s in a year that would have marked its 160th anniversary.
State Library of SA - Hetzel Lecture Theatre
Thursday 7 May 2026 11AM - 12:15PM
FREE
The History of John Martin's
Join author Paul Flavel down memory lane as he shares insights into the making of his book and the history of our beloved John Martin’s.
City of Tea Tree Gully Library
Friday 8 May 2026 11AM - 12:00PM
FREE
Past Events
Carrick Hill - Nov 2025
Paul Flavel with Dr Ellen Whitton
State Library of SA - Sept 2024
Keisha Bevelander and Paul Flavel
Town of Gawler - Nov 2025
Historical talk by Paul Flavel
Marion Cultural Centre
Paul Flavel and Georgina McGuinness
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