Fashion, 1924

A$1,250 · Offered by Douglas Stewart Fine Books

Pen and ink on artist s board, 200 x 65 mm (image), 255 x 115 (card), tissue guard, unsigned, verso with the artist s design label R. E. Battarbee, Fashion Artist, Illustrator Designer, 2nd Floor, 372 Flinders Lane , authenticated by the artist s daughter Gayle Quarmby. An exquisite small pen and ink by Australian artist Rex Battarbee (1893-1973) who is probably best known for his close relationship with Arrernte artist Albert Namatjira (1902-1959). Battarbee introduced Namatjira to the art of watercolour painting at the Hermannsburg Mission in 1934, and continued to encourage him and champion his work throughout the rest of his career. Prior to this, Battarbee was a commercial artist and fashion illustrator, this charming work demonstrating his skill in capturing the style and grace of the era. These early works are unprocurable in the open market, this example has been sourced from the estate of the artist. Literature: McGREGOR, Ken Gayle QUARMBY. Rex Battarbee : artist Albert Namatjira’s friend . Melbourne : Badger Editions, 2026, pp. 18 and 20 (illustrated) Provenance: Rex Battarbee his daughter, Gayle Quarmby, by descent Jenny Zimmer, art historian and editor of the monograph on Rex Battarbee, by gift acquired from the above.

• Binding: Hardcover

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.