Viola Edith (Brownie) Downing, author, artist, illustrator and ceramics decorator was born at Manly, Sydney in 1924, and grew up in a home surrounded by bushland, which inspired her to take an interest in drawing from a young age.

She drew children, small animals flowers and trees from her surrounds, and developed an interest in Aboriginal culture from her father.

After leaving school she studied at Sydney Technical Art School and then worked as a commercial artist, drawing children's fashion in the early 1940s.

After World War II she studied at Julian Ashton's art school and became a full time artist selling both originals and prints throughout Australia. Her work extended to designs for Christmas cards, and pottery decoration. One of her enduring legacies is the compelling naïve charm of the Aboriginal characters decorating ceramic items ranging from porcelain dishes and wall plaques to miniature tea sets.

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18 items found:

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Brownie Downing porcelain baby plaque, 20th century, 16 cm wide

Brownie Downing porcelain baby plaque, 20th century, 16 cm wide

Brownie Downing wall plates with two wall plaque boy and girl…

Brownie Downing Wall Plates with Boy, Girl & Coffee

Brownie Downing wall plates with two wall plaque boy and girl figures, and a coffee cup and saucer. The largest plate being 20.5 cm in diameter, and both having registered design stamps. The two figures are 16 cm in length.

Three mid-century Australian Pottery dishes, including Brownie…

Mid-Century Australian Pottery Dishes (Set of 3)

Three mid-century Australian Pottery dishes, including Brownie Downing style plates, circa 1950. A/F ? chip to one. Diameter 16 cm.

Two Brownie Downing dishes

Downing's Delights: Two Brownie Recipes

Two Brownie Downing dishes

Six Brownie Downing small plates including ballet dancers,…

Brownie Downing Ballet Small Plates Set

Six Brownie Downing small plates including ballet dancers, Dia10-15.5 cm

A Brownie Downing ceramic display plate. Circa 1950. Diameter…

1950 Brownie Downing Ceramic Display Plate

A Brownie Downing ceramic display plate. Circa 1950. Diameter 20.5 cm.

Collection of Brownie Downing pin dishes and a cup and saucer…

Brownie Downing Pin Dishes and Cup/Saucer Set

Collection of Brownie Downing pin dishes and a cup and saucer (cup damaged)

A Brownie Downing plate, Rd 35060. Diameter 21 cm

Brownie Downing Plate, Rd 35060, 21 cm Diameter

A Brownie Downing plate, Rd 35060. Diameter 21 cm

Three small Brownie Downing Wal plates, depicting Aboriginal…

Brownie Downing Aboriginal Children Plates

Three small Brownie Downing Wal plates, depicting Aboriginal children

A pair of Brownie Downing 'Tinka' wall plates. Diameter 21 cm

Brownie Downing 'Tinka' Wall Plates (Pair)

A pair of Brownie Downing 'Tinka' wall plates. Diameter 21 cm

Brownie Downing, pair of porcelain condiments, side plate,…

Brownie Downing Porcelain Set

Brownie Downing, pair of porcelain condiments, side plate, three pin dishes, and a plaque, Side plate: 15.5 cm diameter

A large collection of vintage Brownie Downing ceramic plates…

Vintage Brownie Downing Ceramic Plates Collection (27)

A large collection of vintage Brownie Downing ceramic plates (27)

Six Brownie Downing dishes 10 cm diameter approx.

Six Mini Brownie Delights

Six Brownie Downing dishes 10 cm diameter approx.

Brownie Downing girl and cockatoo wall plaque. Height 12 cm…

Girl and Cockatoo Wall Plaque

Brownie Downing girl and cockatoo wall plaque. Height 12 cm approx

Two Brownie Downing plates 10 cm diameter approx.

Pair of Brownie Downing Plates

Two Brownie Downing plates 10 cm diameter approx.

Pair vintage porcelain Brownie Downing pepper and salt,…

Vintage Brownie Downing Salt & Pepper Set

Pair vintage porcelain Brownie Downing pepper and salt, measures 6.8 cm high

Two Brownie Downing Aboriginal child wall plaques. One with dog…

Aboriginal Child Wall Plaques with Dog

Two Brownie Downing Aboriginal child wall plaques. One with dog at foot. Height 16 (each)

One Aboriginal mask and three Brownie Downing wall figures (4)

Indigenous Art and Decor: Mask and Wall Figures

One Aboriginal mask and three Brownie Downing wall figures (4)