Animals of Tasmania

Animals of Tasmania: Wildlife of an Incredible Island is a book that documents and describes a host of Tasmanian species, including the iconic Tasmanian Devil, the mysterious Thylacine, the magnificent Wedge-tailed Eagle and the endangered Orange-bellied Parrot. These animals and many more have their own stories of survival, tragedy and hope in one of the world’s last remaining wild islands. Tasmania is a very beautiful island in south-eastern Australia, and with the artwork I wanted to pay tribute to the animals themselves, but also to the long tradition of fine natural history illustration that began with the arrival of the first European explorers to visit Australia and Tasmania.

Many of my drawings move between a range of styles and approaches, all of which try to salute the various techniques of lithography and engraving that were often used to illustrate zoological journals of this period, and the lesser-known but equally beautiful drawings and watercolour paintings that were prepared in art studios as guides for the completion of finished illustrations.

It was a pleasure to work with author Sally Bryant, whose lively and engaging writing covers broad themes that greatly enrich our appreciation of this incredible island’s unique wildlife. Evolutionary theories, continental drift, island biogeography, Indigenous and European knowledge, conservation, wildlife ecology, and exploration and discovery, are just a few of the topics covered by Sally’s engaging text.

Sally and I hope that Animals of Tasmania will be a valuable souvenir for visitors to our island, and with the strong themes of ecology, the environment and conservation, that the book may also assist teachers and parents to educate children in Tasmanian natural history, wildlife preservation and ecological science.

Animals of Tasmania was published in 2009 by Quintus Publishing. With design and production by Tracey Allen, and printing by Focal Printing in North Hobart, Animals of Tasmania went on to win gold and silver medals at the state and national Printing Industry Craftsmanship Awards. With the enormous care taken by all involved with the project, we hope that the book will be welcomed by all who love art, natural history, and the very beautiful animals of Tasmania.

Many thanks to all at the University of Tasmania, Quintus Publishing and Arts Tasmania for their support and encouragement.

Many thanks also to Kathryn Medlock at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery for her guidance, advice, assistance, and for providing access to TMAG’s collection of Tasmanian wildlife study specimens.

Title: Animals of Tasmania: Wildlife of an Incredible Island
Date of publication: December, 2009
Author: Sally Bryant
Illustrator: Tim Squires
Designer: Tracey Allen
ISBN: 978-0-9775572-7-1
Dimensions: 21.5cms x 26.5cms
Pages: 80
Illustrations: 74 colour, 9 black and white.
Text: 10-page introduction detailing key points of interest on Tasmanian natural history, plus profiles of 30 iconic Tasmanian species.
Publisher: Quintus Publishing.
RRP: $34.95