Week 7: A National Spirit

Bogel, M. (1998). A National Spirit: Designing with Australian Flora and Fauna. In Design In Australia, 1880-1970 (pp 44-53). Craftsman House.

This book chapter by Bogel presents an evolution of Australian design and the people who were prominent in promoting the use of Australian flora and fauna in Australian art and design. Two of the early exponents of Australian flora and fauna were Lucien Henry and Richard Baker. Lucien Henry was a Frenchman who taught at the Sydney Technical college and wrote extensively about the importance of a national art for Australia using our unique surroundings. While Richard Baker was a curator at the Sydney Technology Museum  he formed a large Australian botany collection, and published several books on Australian plants and timbers. Both these men lay the early foundation for an  identifiable national art to emerge. Also during this time artists such as Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, Arthur Streeton and Samuel Rowe were being influenced by international style such as the Arts and Crafts movements and the beginnings of the Art Nouveau movements. This had an influential effect on internal Australian style with unique Australian Art Nouveau appearing in many places from advertising posters to biscuit tins. Eirene Mort also had a significant role in making icons of Australian native plants with her extensive graphic work and range of publications.  Bogel also makes special mention of May Gibbs and her unique art and illustrations that popularised Australian flora and fauna through her still published children's books 'Snuggle Pot and Cuddle Pie'. As well as Gibbs, Bogel also mentions the important role the Australian Native association played in lobbing for indigenous flora, including the emblematic use of the wattle. Bogel also mentions two technical college teachers, Harvey and Linton.  Both of these men were influential in teaching young artists and worked in and advocated for the use of Australian timbers in furniture.   As a cabinetmaker I find this interesting as we host some of the finest and colourful timbers of the world in this country.  As for making furniture, many of our timbers are extremely hard and different techniques from traditional European had to be devised in working with them.  I think it is our timbers that make our furniture uniquely Australian, rather than a specific style. 
Bogel presents a great article about Australian identity, art, design and those who are influential in the evolution of our own unique style.