Celebrating 45 Years · Today
“John retired a few years ago. His son Martin and daughter Joni now run the store — 363 days a year, 7 days a week. Same street. Same family. We’ve seen Newtown change around us and we plan to be here for whatever comes next. Pop in and say hi.”
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A Fresh Coat of Paint · 2009
“We knocked through the front section and joined Art on King and Modern Times into one shop. Two weeks of chaos. Every book moved by hand. Our customers didn’t just tolerate it — they cheered us on.”
The Age of Sharky · 2000s
“Jenny Sharkey became our longest-serving employee and manager — 22 years. Fresh-faced at 17, full of stories about the colourful characters of Newtown. She ran our art school for 15 years. Jenny remains a close family friend today.”
The Walk-In Art Bar · 1993
“When the Brother sewing machine shop next door closed, John saw an opportunity. Art on King was born — a dedicated art store crammed with an ever-expanding range of materials. A real squeeze, and exactly right.”
Meet John Butler · 1980
“This is the oldest photo we have of John behind the counter. Scottish-born, Navy-trained, natural entrepreneur. He worked six days a week and thought his way through every problem the business ever threw at him.”
Humble Beginnings · 1979
“John Butler opened the doors of Modern Times — a second-hand bookshop on King Street — after renaming it in honour of the Charlie Chaplin film. As Newtown grew, so did John’s ambition. New books, stationery, art supplies. The shop kept expanding because John kept saying yes.”
The Walk-In Art Bar · 1993
“When the Brother sewing machine shop next door closed, John saw an opportunity. Art on King was born — a dedicated art store crammed with an ever-expanding range of materials. A real squeeze, and exactly right.”
Meet John Butler · 1980
“This is the oldest photo we have of John behind the counter. Scottish-born, Navy-trained, natural entrepreneur. He worked six days a week and thought his way through every problem the business ever threw at him.”
Humble Beginnings · 1979
“John Butler opened the doors of Modern Times — a second-hand bookshop on King Street — after renaming it in honour of the Charlie Chaplin film. As Newtown grew, so did John’s ambition. New books, stationery, art supplies. The shop kept expanding because John kept saying yes.”
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The Walk-In Art Bar · 1993
“When the Brother sewing machine shop next door closed, John saw an opportunity. Art on King was born — a dedicated art store crammed with an ever-expanding range of materials. A real squeeze, and exactly right.”
Meet John Butler · 1980
“This is the oldest photo we have of John behind the counter. Scottish-born, Navy-trained, natural entrepreneur. He worked six days a week and thought his way through every problem the business ever threw at him.”
Humble Beginnings · 1979
“John Butler opened the doors of Modern Times — a second-hand bookshop on King Street — after renaming it in honour of the Charlie Chaplin film. As Newtown grew, so did John’s ambition. New books, stationery, art supplies. The shop kept expanding because John kept saying yes.”
Next
Open today 9 - 6
397 King St, Newtown
02 9516 2342
Open today 9 - 6
397 King St, Newtown
02 9516 2342