Federation Fairies was formed in 2011 to preserve the legacy of a talented Australian, Margaret Grace Clark.
Our aim is to locate as many of her works as possible and with the aid of new technology, preserve these vintage illustrations for future generations.
Historical ,Vintage & Art Deco
Margaret Grace Clark was born in Plattsburg near Newcastle, New South Wales in 1901, the year of Australian’s federation. Her parents were refined people who encouraged individuality in each of their six children and made great sacrifice to support their talents.
Margaret’s fantasy illustrations are coloured pen, ink and gouache drawings. In time her style developed to a trademark Indian ink background which made her very detailed subjects at times seem to have a 3D effect. Each illustration is a dramatic incident in itself, a static composition which conveys a story of immediate charm and appeal. These are unique and often whimsical illustrations that will continue to delight future generations.
In 1918 Margaret was commissioned to produce illustrations for the confectionery manufacturers – Sweetacres. A young 17 year old was being paid to pursue her passion. After spending a brief term at the Julian Ashton School of Art , Margaret’s illustrations, short stories and poetry were published in the children’s magazine Young Australia and also in the debut edition of the then new Steel Rudd Magazine published in Toowoomba.
Angus & Robertson, approached Margaret in 1920 to write and illustrate a book which sadly she was unable to complete. These were difficult times for Australians but with family support, Margaret was able to continue painting and keep up with submissions to the Steel Rudd Magazine.
At a friend’s insistence, in 1924, five of her illustrations were included among some elite artists such as May Gibbs and Margaret Preston at the Sydney Society or Woman Artists Annual Exhibition. Later in 1925 a series of postcards were produced which are now coveted by collectors worldwide.
Margaret’s solo exhibition in 1926 was a gala affair and a celebrated success with rave reviews appearing in two Sydney newspapers. All 23 illustrations sold at prices between 3.5 and 6 guineas. Every story has a villain. Margaret was duped out of the proceeds by the auctioneer and promoter (who later appeared in courts for fraud in three states of Australia.)
In July 1929 and December 1930 two large coloured friezes were included as special supplements to the magazine “Australian Childhood”.
My curiosity as to why Margaret stopped painting inspired me to research some family history. Very little has been published about this very private lady and I am endeavouring to redress this for posterity. Margaret was a remarkable woman living a few months short of 100. She was a warm and generous person who was admired by all who met her. Children were captivated by her quick wit and animated stories.
Sadly, the prolific output of work was not maintained after her marriage in 1929. Margaret was a woman of faith, a devoted wife and mother of three talented sons with wide ranging interests.
Acclaimed author Robert Holden, included 9 of her illustrations in a 1985 exhibition The Golden Age of Australian Fantasy. He was unaware that this artist was living and delighted to meet her at the S.H. Ervin Gallery. Subsequently an exhibition in 1986 featuring 30 of her delightfully talented works was held – just a short 60 years after her first solo exhibition.
Federation Fairies was formed to preserve part of the rich heritage of the Art Deco Era for future generations. Since 2011, we have utilised new technology to release quality limited edition reproductions of her work.
Please join me in my discovery of Margaret Clark – an Australian treasure.
More illustrations can be see at www.federationfairies.com.au
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