Fashion, 1924

Pen and ink on artist’s board, 200 x 65 mm (image), 255 x 115 mm (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.