Vintage Cricket Poster – Go out to Australia for the Test Matches 1932

Vintage Cricket Poster – Go out to Australia for the Test Matches 1932-1933 – Percy Trompf This Vintage Cricket Poster was created by the renowned Australian artist Percy Trompf. The poster with its “Go out to Australia for the Test Matches call to action was targeted towards English cricket fans encouraging them to journey Down Under to witness the 1932-1933 Ashes series. The enticing poster captures the English batsman’s fierce front-foot drive after taking on a challenging delivery. Although the poster sought to connect with English cricket enthusiasts, Percy Trompf’s national pride, and International rivalry couldn’t deter him from a playful jibe at the England cricket team by illustrating an Australian outfielder poised to catch out the English captain. While the England fans would hope the Aussie fielder fumbles the catch, it looks as though the wicketkeeper in his distinctive Myrtle green cricket cap is already poised to receive the ball. The vintage cricket poster was a collaboration between Trompfe and the Australian National Travel Association which promoted tourism and travel in Australia. Since its inception in 1929, the Association pursued inventive marketing approaches, initially collaborating with eminent poster designers in Australia, including James Northfield, Walter Jardine, Eileen Mayo, Gert Sellheim, and C. Dudley Wood, to produce posters featuring striking images and simple slogans. The Australian National Travel Association posters introduced Australia to the world Much of Australia was unknown to people outside the continent. The aviation milestone of commercial flights from Europe and America to Oz were only just starting. Australian airline Qantas, in collaboration with Imperial Airways (later BOAC), introduced the “Kangaroo Route” in 1935. This route connected Sydney, Australia, with London, England, and it involved a series of flights and stopovers along the way. It was a multi-day journey that provided air travellers with a novel and relatively faster means of reaching Australia compared to sea voyages. The introduction of this route played a crucial role in opening up air travel between Europe and Australia. The Australian National Travel Association embarked on an extensive campaign, producing thousands of travel posters with a specific goal in mind: to capture the attention of international tourists who had relatively little awareness of Australia as a travel destination. These posters served as powerful tools to introduce the world to the diverse and captivating aspects of the country. What made these posters particularly remarkable was their ability to unveil facets of Australia that were, widely unknown even among its own citizens. While Australians were undoubtedly familiar with their local surroundings, the posters shed light on hidden gems, breathtaking landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. In essence, these posters acted as a revelation, not only to international travelers but also to many Australians themselves. By showcasing these lesser-known treasures and showcasing Australia’s vast beauty, the Australian National Travel Association not only attracted curious globetrotters but also instilled a newfound sense of pride and appreciation for their own homeland among its citizens. In doing so, they played a crucial role in shaping the perception of Australia as an enchanting and enticing destination on the global stage. The Ashes legend The Ashes is a Test cricket series held every two years between England and Australia. The first Ashes meeting between England and Australia was played in Melbourne, Australia, in 1877, though the Ashes legend started several years later. It all began in 1882 at The Oval in London when Australia secured their first-ever Test match victory on English soil, defeating the home team by seven runs in a thrilling two-day match held in late August. Just four days later a mocking obituary surfaced in The Sporting Times. The humorous obituary lamented the loss suffered by the English team. The obituary written by Reginald Shirley Brooks read: “In Loving Memory of English cricket, which met its end at The Oval on August 29, 1882. Sadly missed by a large circle of grieving friends and acquaintances. Rest in Peace. P.S. – The body shall be cremated, and its ashes transported to Australia.” For the return match in Australia 1882/1893, England’s captain, Ivo Bligh vowed to “regain those ashes”. When the tour reached Victoria, a group of ladies presented Bligh with a six-inch terracotta urn, sealed with a cork and believed to contain the ashes of a couple of burned bails. The English press therefore dubbed the tour “The Quest to Regain the Ashes.” The mythical ashes have since become a symbol of the historic cricket rivalry between England and Australia. The 1932-1933 Ashes The 1932-33 Ashes Test series is famously known for its intense and controversial nature and is often referred to as the “Bodyline Series.” This cricket series was played between England and Australia, and it spanned five Test matches. Here’s a brief description of the series: England, led by captain Douglas Jardine, travelled to Australia to compete for the Ashes. The team’s strategy for dealing with Australia’s prolific batsman Don Bradman was controversial and became a defining aspect of the series. Jardine employed a bowling tactic known as “Bodyline” (also called “leg theory”), in which fast bowlers, notably Harold Larwood and Bill Voce, aimed their deliveries at the batsmen’s bodies rather than traditional line and length bowling. This aggressive tactic was used to restrict Bradman’s scoring opportunities, as he was known for his remarkable batting skills. The Bodyline tactic sparked significant controversy and tensions between the teams. Australian batsmen, including Bradman, faced numerous injuries and discomfort due to the barrage of short-pitched deliveries. Umpires played a crucial role in managing the series as on-field clashes between players were common. The umpires were under immense pressure to ensure fair play. England ultimately won the series 4-1, regaining the Ashes. The Australians managed to win the second Test match, but England dominated the rest of the series. Bradman’s average in the series was well below his usual standards due to the Bodyline tactics. The Bodyline Series had a lasting impact on cricket. It also strained diplomatic relations between England and Australia. In response to the Bodyline controversy, cricket’s governing bodies introduced new rules regarding the number of fielders on the leg side to limit the effectiveness of leg theory bowling. These changes aimed to maintain a balance between bat and ball. The highly acrimonious 1932-33 Ashes series remains one of the most memorable and controversial episodes in cricket history. It not only altered the way the game was played but also raised questions about the ethics and sportsmanship in competitive cricket. Other Percy Trompf posters Percy Trompf was a highly regarded Australian artist known for his iconic contributions to the world of commercial art and graphic design during the early to mid-20th century. His distinctive and vibrant work left an indelible mark on the visual culture of Australia, making him a notable figure in the country’s artistic history. Trompf’s artistic talents were versatile, spanning various mediums such as posters, advertisements, magazine covers, and postcards. He was celebrated for his ability to capture the essence of the Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle in a visually engaging and often whimsical manner. Throughout his career, Percy Trompf collaborated with numerous clients and organizations, leaving behind an extensive portfolio of artworks that continue to be cherished for their unique blend of creativity and commercial appeal. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of art in conveying the spirit and identity of a nation. His designs sometimes depicted historical events such as his Still Building Australia poster featuring a classic view of Sydney Harbour Bridge or the image respecting the Landing of Captain Cook at Botany Bay. Other poster promoted the value of Australian destinations including the Great Barrier Reef , the Outback, the Blue Mountains and the Buchan Caves. Some of his best-loved poster depicts modern, metropolitan destinations such as Bondi Beach, Sydney and Brisbane. Others put a spotlight on activities such as hiking, horseriding, bushwalking, sun seeking, and surfing Over time, his imagery has since become valued for its nostalgic evocation of the early mid-century and his posters have become collectible ‘national treasures’ that are frequently exhibited.