Eric Thake (1908 – 19 May 1982) was an Australian modernist artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, noted for his contributions to printmaking, collage, and mural work during the mid‑20th century. His practice combined elements of abstraction with representational motifs, and his work is held in major Australian public collections.
Early Life and Education
- Birth: 1908, Wallaroo, South Australia.
- Education: Studied at the South Australian School of Arts and Crafts (now part of the University of South Australia) under teachers such as Harry Pelling Nelson. He later attended the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London (1934–1935) on a scholarship, where he was exposed to European modernist trends.
Career
- Illustration and Graphic Design: Upon returning to Australia, Thake worked as a commercial illustrator for newspapers, magazines, and advertising agencies. His graphic work featured bold typographic treatment and a modern aesthetic that was influential in Australian commercial art.
- Printmaking: Thake became a leading figure in Australian printmaking, experimenting with linocut, etching, and woodcut techniques. His prints often incorporated narrative content and stylised forms derived from Australian flora, fauna, and urban scenes.
- Collage and Mural Projects: In the 1940s and 1950s, Thake produced a series of collage works that integrated photographic material, newspaper clippings, and painted elements. He also executed several public murals, most notably for the Australian Department of the Interior and for educational institutions.
- Teaching: From the late 1940s, Thake held teaching positions at the National Art School in Sydney and later at the South Australian School of Arts, influencing a generation of Australian artists.
Artistic Style and Themes
- Modernist Approach: Thake’s work reflects the influence of European modernism, particularly Constructivism and the Bauhaus movement, while maintaining an identifiable Australian subject matter.
- Narrative Content: Many of his prints and collages incorporate storytelling elements, frequently portraying scenes of urban life, transportation, and the Australian landscape.
- Technical Innovation: He was recognized for his innovative use of mixed media, combining traditional printmaking with photographic processes.
Exhibitions and Collections
- Solo Exhibitions: Thave held solo exhibitions at the Australian Galleries (Melbourne) and the Macquarie Galleries (Sydney) during the 1950s and 1960s.
- Group Shows: He participated in exhibitions of the Contemporary Art Society of Australia and the Australian Academy of Art.
- Public Collections: Works by Thake are held in the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Art Gallery of South Australia, and several regional museums.
Legacy
- Influence: Thake is regarded as a pivotal figure in the development of modern printmaking and graphic design in Australia. His integration of commercial design principles with fine‑art practices contributed to a broader acceptance of graphic aesthetics within Australian art institutions.
- Archival Material: The Eric Thake Papers, including sketches, correspondence, and photographic documentation, are preserved at the National Library of Australia.
References
- National Gallery of Australia, Collection Database.
- Australian Dictionary of Biography, entry on Eric Thake (accessed 2026).
- McCulloch, Alan. Encyclopedia of Australian Art. 2nd ed., 1994.
Note: Information compiled from publicly available biographical sources and institutional records.
