Lindy the dachshund
During the six months from November 1957 when Brian Johnstone was ill with tuberculosis, he and his wife Marjorie acquired a dachshund puppy they named Lindy. Lindy completed their little family, and her elevated status, apparent not only within the Johnstone household but to all who visited the gallery, is apparent from the abundant mail she received. The Johnstones' friends and their pets regularly sent her birthday and Christmas cards, letters and photographs, all faithfully recorded in The Johnstone Gallery archive Scrapbooks. Lindy often appears in the Johnstone Gallery press cuttings collection, and had an entire article devoted to her artistic views.(The Johnstone Gallery archive: Scrapbook 1969:RBHARC 7/1/11, p.53-54)
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Born on Anzac Day 1958, Lindy had a volatile temper. This may have been the result of the timing of her arrival in the household. During a six-month isolation because of Brian's infectious illness, Lindy was deprived of the socialisation experiences young dogs require. She had also, apparently, been fought over when very young by two children who pulled at her front legs. The Johnstone's gallery secretary Meg McKenzie attests that "they became quite misshapen as a result". (McKenzie Interview with Louise Martin-Chew, 1995)
All her life Lindy held the Johnstones' public in thrall. She was unpredictable, walking peacefully up to people before biting them without warning. The Johnstones' devotion to her was complete, but her erratic behaviour led many friends and clients to fear her bad opinion. She was able to deliver "the kiss of death" to a relationship with the Johnstones (Murray and Gill Elliott Interview with Louise Martin-Chew, 1995). Meg McKenzie relates:
At one particular dinner party Lindy was making a nuisance of herself with one of the guests and he hit her with something he had in his hand and he spent the rest of the evening absolutely devastated because he thought Lindy would tell the Johnstones.
(McKenzie Interview with Louise Martin-Chew, 1995)
Her death on June 1, 1972 was a huge blow. A hand-written obituary, probably by Marjorie, records the extent of their loss:
Lindy Johnstone
April 25, 1958 to June 1, 1972
Beautiful - courageous - conqueror of fear
Faithful - gentle - ever-trusting - always loving - unique!
Fierce chaser of KATS!
Soft comforter in times of trouble
KAR rider fanatical
Ruler Absolute of the House of Johnstone
Sweet Sweet Lindy RIP
Last updated: 10th January 2008
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