Historical information

This is a book produced by Rex and Bernice Battarbee and contains reproductions of aboriginal art work, including the work of several of Albert Namatjira’s children. Reginald (Rex) Battarbee (1893-1973) was the son of George and Mary Battarbee who lived in East Warrnambool at a property called ‘Skiddaw’. Rex’s sister, Florinda was a local artist who was his first teacher of art. Rex became a well-known artist, depicting mainly the Central Australian landscape. He is credited with discovering and fostering the artistic talent of Albert Namatjira, the best-known of the early Australian aboriginal artists.

Significance

This is one of the few mementoes we have of the artist Rex Battarbee who was born in Warrnambool and spent his early years in this city.

Physical description

This is a hard cover book with the pages unnumbered. The cover is brown with colour reproductions of two aboriginal paintings on the front and back cover. The printing on the front cover is in yellow and white lettering. The book contains written text and many reproductions of aboriginal paintings. The inscription on the first page is handwritten in black biro.

Inscriptions & markings

‘L. Durrant, From Russ, May 1979’.