Jean Batten Autograph
c1934. Vintage silver gelatin photograph, autographed in ink on image with “Broothoru, Melbourne” blind stamp lower right, annotated “3/8 Leica[?] silver, Don McIntosh” in pencil on backing verso, 20 x 15cm. Slight silvering, laid down on original backing. This image was likely taken after Batten’s 1934 solo flight from England to Australia; her trip beat the existing record of English aviatrix Amy Johnson by more than four days. Born in Rotorua, aviatrix Jean Batten (1909–1982) became the best-known New Zealander of the 1930s by making several record-breaking solo flights across the world. “Because of her striking looks, her glamorous appearance at receptions (she always took a white silk dress with her on her record-breaking flights, and repaired her lipstick before exiting her aircraft), and her later reclusive ways, Batten became known as the ‘[Greta] Garbo of the skies.’” Ref: Weekly Times (Melbourne), 16.6.1934; Wiki.
Item #CL198-110
Price (AUD): $1,650.00 other currencies