Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia

Artist James Northfield (Australian, 1887 - 1973)

Publisher Australian National Publicity Association (Australian)

Date1930s

Object number00015139

NamePoster

MediumPhotolithograph on paper.

DimensionsOverall: 105 × 67 mm, 0.15 kg
Display dimensions (G Fini Frame): 1275 × 930 × 45 mm
Mount / Matt size (G Fini mount): 1249 × 900 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis poster advertising travel to Australia and Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, features a coloured lithographic image of reef fish and coral. This poster portrays the Australian tropical marine environment as a desirable and popular tourist destination.HistoryPosters commissioned by the Australian National Travel Association featured iconic Australian locations as desirable destinations. The exotic fish of the tropical waters of Australia, in particular the fish of the Great Barrier Reef are featured repeatedly as appealing motifs. Travel posters tapped into the desire of their prospective audience by presenting an attractive alternative to reality. Posters produced for the local market were more likely to advertise the charms of a specific location than those developed for an international audience. James Northfield (1888 - 1973) was born in Geelong Victoria and set up his own commercial studio in the 1930s. Northfield specialised in hand lithographic work and was commissioned by major local and national organisations such as Victorian Government and Australian National Travel Association to design travel posters. His work appeared in billboard advertisements, promotional travel posters and posters relating to World Wars I and II. Northfield's works were distributed throughout Australia and internationally.SignificanceThe exotic fish of the tropical waters of Australia, in particular the fish of the Great Barrier Reef are featured repeatedly as appealing motifs of Australian identity throughout the twentieth century. This poster is representative of the work by the prolific poster artist, James Northfield.