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I started collecting Brownie Downing in 1999 when I stumbed across a print of the picaninny riding a black swan in an op shop for $1.  In my travels I discovered the 4" plates and started doing some research.  This led me to joining the Brownie Downing Club in September 1999.  Since then I have expanded my knowledge on the amazing range of Brownie Downing items that were produced and increased my collection quite dramatically.  Like most new collectors I started off acquiring most of the common designs but over the years I have been lucky to acquire some mid range items and rarer pieces.  The beauty of it is that there is always something out there that I haven't got and would love to add to my collection!

If you are interested in joining the Brownie Downing Club contact Wendy on 02 9520 0618 or email Browniedowningclub@yahoo.com.au

Brownie Downing was born at Manly, New South Wales in 1924. She began painting and drawing at an early age and continued for the remainder of her life, specialising in fairies and babies. Downing studied art at Sydney Technical College and continued to write and draw child subjects before entering the army at the age of 18. On leaving the army, Downing entered the Julian Ashton School of Art in 1947 and subsequently worked as a commercial artist illustrating children's fashions for some of the larger Sydney retailers.

During the 1940s and 1950s a comic strip appeared in the Sunday Herald, called Zutty Bright and the Time Machine. Written by Ngaire Avison, it was illustrated by Brownie Downing. She became a household name in Australia, New Zealand and London, her prints, wall silhouettes and porcelain products selling with phenomenal success. Downing also achieved success with the Japanese market, her drawings were sold to Japanese companies for transfer printing to souvenir ceramics which at that time were beginning to enter the market. These works document a 'niche marketing' strategy, producing items for special interest groups, in this instance the Japanese souvenir industry.