SIGNED by Albert Namatjira in ink on the frontispiece page below his photographic portrait.
PROVENANCE: The book was signed, and the photograph presented, at the Alice Springs hospital to a nurse who was caring for Namatjira.
Published by Bread and Cheese Club, Melbourne, 1944 (third edition)/ 1944.
Quarto, 79 pages plus numerous colour plates.
‘Albert Namatjira (born Elea Namatjira; 1902 – 1959) was an Arrernte painter from the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia, widely considered one of the most notable Australian artists. As a pioneer of contemporary Indigenous Australian Art, he was arguably one of the most famous Indigenous Australians of his generation. He was the first Aboriginal artist to receive popularity from a wide Australian audience. A member of the WesternArrernte people, Namatjira was born and raised at the remote Hermannsburg Lutheran Mission, 126 km west-southwest from Alice Springs.’ (Wiki).
BONUSES: (1) A COLOUR PHOTO of Albert Namatjira with the author, Charles Mountford. (2) A READING COPY of a later print of the same book, lacking its dust jacket. Note the frontispiece in the reading copy there is no Namatjira signature on the frontispiece page (pictured). (3 items in total).