Manuscript Poem with Original Watercolors
A unique handmade artist’s book featuring a manuscript poem by Dorothea Mackellar, accompanied by a series of original SIGNED watercolor landscapes by Norma Sparks. The work is presented as a small, hand-bound folding volume (4 1/" x 5 1/2"), secured with metal rings and composed of textured, deckle-edged paper; closure is with a gold ribbon. The calligraphic text is neatly hand printed in black ink (and most likely is not in Mackellar's hand). Opposite the text appears an original SIGNED watercolor landscape. With a contents leaf titled “Illustrations by Norma Sparks” listing twelve Australian locations including the Grampians, Flinders Ranges, and the Red Centre; and a page with personal gift inscription. Item #23129
Dorothea Mackellar (1885 - 1968) was an Australian poet and fiction writer, best known for her iconic poem “My Country". Norma Sparks was a lesser-known Australian watercolour artist, primarily active in the 20th century. She specialized in traditional landscape paintings, often depicting rural Australian scenes such as country farmhouses, Victorian cottages, outback hotels, and regional views.
Price: $500.00