John Howell opened the first jazz club in Adelaide in the early 1960’s and has since continued to promote jazz. He has produced both international and national jazz events in Adelaide and Cairns and has organized packages ,and hosted small groups to attend various international jazz festivals including the Havana International Jazz Festivall in CUBA and JAZZ YATRA in DELHI and BOMBAYand is now planning packages to attend music Festivals in TUNISIA, TOYKO, and SARAWAK.
During the late 1960’s and early 1970’s joined the family business Howell and Co and travelled to Europe and obtained agencies for designer commercial furniture. Won contracts to supply executive furniture and interiors for the majority of the commercial high rise buildings that were constructed during the years. Represented international designers including Cassino, Arrederama, and Paltron Frau. Influenced local manufacturers and designers. During the last few years of 1970’s was the first to renovate an older building in the now popular RUNDLE EAST END where he established with a group of designers METAFORM a design studio.
Moved to Cairns 1980 founded Kuranda Chamber of Commerce, appointed Justice of the Peace, designed and constructed and established KURANDA NOCTURNAL ZOO. Designed and built commercial complex THE RED HOUSE that involved raising a large queensland traditional timber house six meters and constructing an arcade of eight shops with underground carparking. Travelled extensively prior to returning to Adelaide in 2000 where he developed his interest in COLLAGE and obtained some success with small exhibitions.
Has since published three books of his images, written a book of his impressions of Cuba and compiled and printed a cook book “TASTY DISHES”.
