A-Z of Australian Animals - Common to Australian Capital Territory

"A-Z of Australian Animals” by Christopher Croft features 26 Australian animals, drawn and etched into copperplates, including one fictional creature to complete the alphabet. The species depicted are found in various regions across Australia; however, all the animals in this book are native to the Australian Capital Territory.

Croft selected the copperplate etching process to complement his meticulous attention to detail and refined drawing style. The images convey a gentle appreciation for their subjects, serving as a lifelike record of some of Australia’s most unique animals. Each drawing, along with its colouring, was preceded by thorough research conducted both in nature and at the Department of Zoology at the Australian National University.

The etchings are printed in brown ink on Hayle 90gsm handmade paper from Barcham Green Mill, UK, watermarked in 1976 and 1978. The pages are folded along the top edge employing the French Fold or double right-angle fold, to add an element of craftsmanship and exclusivity. The deckled edges of the paper appear on the outer sides (recto and verso) of all pages. The endpapers are handmade from Kniphofia (red hot poker), sourced from the ACT region.

The book was produced in a limited edition of 75 numbered and signed copies. The first 25 copies were hand-coloured by the artist using high-quality watercolours and bound in fine French leather, while the remaining 50 copies were linen-bound. Each book measures 260mm by 207mm, with all copies presented in a linen-covered slipcase.

In 2002, “A-Z of Australian Animals” was exhibited at “Histoires Naturelles, Salon d’Art Contemporain”, at the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris. Copies are now part of the permanent collections of both the Australian National Gallery and the Australian National Library in Canberra.