Prospectus advertising a a book of six colour prints by James E Flett titled 'Pirates'
Datec 1931
Object number00027894
NameProspectus
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 378 x 280 mm, 1 mm, 0.04 kg
Display Dimensions: 355 x 280 x 21 mm
Display Dimensions: 355 x 280 x 21 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis four page prospectus advertises a publication titled 'Pirates' by James E Flett, a book of six colour prints. The front cover has a black and white linocut illustration of a pirate at with the inscription `Pirates / by James E Flett / with an introduction by / Blamire Young / published by Frank C Johnson 333 George Street Sydney'. The second page has an article entitled `the colour print' which praises `this too little-known field of art'. The third page is devoted to accolades of James E Flett's artwork and the fourth page discusses how the prints are to be mounted and bound. It also discusses the price of the book and has an order form. Along the top of the page is the inscription `announcing-to be published august, 1931'.HistoryJames Flett (1906 - 1986) was a painter and graphic artist who trained at the National Gallery School, Melbourne from 1927 - 1928. Flett's book titled 'Pirates' featured the largest colour linocuts produced by an Australian artist at the time. Flett was fascinated by pirates and became well known for this subject matter, and he also produced a series of drawings of Victorian explorers.
Blamire Young (1862 - 1935) was born in Londesborough, Yorkshire, England in August 1862. After completing his studyies at Cambridge University, Young was appointed mathematics master at Katoomba College, New South Wales, Australia in 1885 where he became an active member of the community.
After a brief return to England in 1893 where he married, Young returned to Australia in 1895 with his wife where he worked as an art advertising manager in Melbourne. In this capacity Young developed a reputation as a prominent poster artist and artist of Australian landscapes. His first solo show was in Melbourne in 1910, however his artistic career was somewhat halted by the outbreak of war in 1914. After the war Young held several successful exhibitions in England and Australia and was invited to provide miniatures for Queen Mary's doll's house.
Young was also a prolific writer and critic. His written work appeared in publications such as the 'Argus' from 1904 - 1912 and he contributed journals such as the 'Lone Hand'. Young wrote plays, such as 'The Children's Bread', and books on art.
Blamire Young died on 14 January 1935 at his home in Lilydale and was survived by his wife and two daughters.SignificanceThis prospectus and the work it advertises draws on the public fascination with pirates in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This rare piece of publishing ephemera relates to the art of James Flett who was well known for his work on pirates and contains an introduction by prominent Australian artist and critic Blamire Young.
