Wyndham's Honest John

Honest John - “former fashion advisor to the ladies of the Kimberley”

I asked Pixie if she could think of anyone else I could perhaps photograph in Wyndham and she immediately suggested Honest John. I quickly gathered from her description that Honest John is a loveable rogue and an ideas man.

Following Pixie’s directions I found Honest John’s home in The Gully. His gravelly voice from inside let me know he was on the phone and it was a while before he heard my knock at the door. He eventually greeted me wearing only a pair of shorts held up by black braces and happily let me photograph him before reaching for his shirt.

Welcoming me inside, I was introduced to Elizabeth - the beautiful and fashionable mannequin standing in his kitchen. “I was hoping she’d clean and cook” said Honest John, “But she doesn’t lift a finger.” Elizabeth was a souvenir from his days as “fashion advisor to the ladies of the Kimberley” when he had “a boutique” in downtown Wyndham. One of many businesses he’s owned and operated around the town, from all accounts.

What ensued was an hour of laughter as Honest John entertained me with stories of his adventures and entrepreneurial pursuits, before he took me to meet his mate Bushy.