Aussie illustration

Children in a Tree, Ethel Spowers, 1927

The beginning of the 20th century is considered the Golden Age of book illustration in America and England.  The Australian artists of that time are not as well known, although rare pictures from old children's books sometimes show up on blogs like The Pictorial Arts, A Study in Contrasts, Australian Fairy Artists and BiblioOdyssey.  It's an intriguing look at a different place and time.

This is a hodgepodge of Aussie fantasy work and illustration from the Golden Age.  It isn't comprehensive, but gives a glimpse of Down Under talent and creativity between 1890-1940.

Periwinkle Painting the Petals, Ida Outhwaite

Autumn Fairy, Ida Outhwaite

"She saw a little witch dance past," Ida Outhwaite
 

My Little Son Dandelion, Ethel Jackson Morris
 

"The beauty of the garden took her breath away," by Pixie O'Harris

Infant Welfare poster, May Gibbs
 

Magazine cover by May Gibbs

1890 Children's Book cover by W. Cole

Ocean Fairy, Howard Gaze

Water Fairies, Howard Gaze

Mermaids, Sea Imps and Ocean Baby, Howard Gaze

A few words about Australian artist Howard Gaze. He was a leading male illustrator in a field dominated by women. He had an interesting life, but not much is known about him although he wrote and illustrated nine fantasy works for children.  In 1927 he moved from Australia to Pasadena and lived there until his death. After several successful art shows in Los Angeles, he became known as the "Bubble Man."  Hum...they say his later works may have been intended for more mature audiences. Ya think?