Donald Clark is already well represented in the collection. This set of placemats is an excellent example of memorabilia from the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. The designs illustrate the evolution of design themes in Australia and as with Annan fabrics, the use of Aboriginal imagery raises the issue of appropriation.

Donald Clark ran a company with his brother, Robert, Donald Clark Handcrafts established in 1954. They produced screen-printed domestic textiles and 'kitchen co-ordinates' which were sold to David Jones and Grace Brothers and other outlets.

These tablemats were made by Donald Clark Handcrafts in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

These tablemats were made in 1955-1956.

Bought by Gloria Bishop, the donor's wife.

Tablemats (3), Melbourne Olympic Games 1956, linen, Donald Clark, Australia, 1956.
Three matching table mats in cream linen screenprinted with design for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games by Donald Clark. The design features Aboriginal images of emu, lizard, fish, snake and spearthrowing warriors printed in yellow and black with crosshatching and X-ray motifs. Colourway of yellow, grey and black on cream linen. The edges are all machine hemmed.

Designer: Clark, Donald; Sydney

Maker: Donald Clark Handcrafts; Sydney; 1955 - 1956

Screenprinted as part of the design 'OLYMPIC GAMES/MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA' '1956' down the right side. Signature in bottom right corner 'Donald Clark'.

2000/54/3

280 mm

425 mm