From 1941, modernist Eric Thake began sending his friends hand-designed Christmas cards. By 1975, he moved from linocuts to offset lithographs, his eyesight beginning to fail. Sharply observed nonetheless, these cards still speak to Thake’s innerworld and perspective on life, with this particular work sent to his friend, revered writer and curator Ursula Hoff.

‘Airlines Resume’ is hand-signed and inscribed to Hoff. It represents the last of Thake’s cards, picturing a line-up of women, perhaps air hostesses, waiting for their flight. In a way, Thake was waiting for his flight too, writing inside “Just a reminder that both I and the cards have reached the end of the line.” He died the following year, an inimitable legacy in his wake.

Represented across numerous public collections, including at the Art Gallery of South Australia, ‘Airlines Resume’ is an accessible entry into Thake’s practice. It speaks to his remarkable wit, Australian modernism and the friendship between an artist and scholar. With strikingly excellent provenance, it is a prize for collectors of modernist art.

Eric THAKE (1904 - 1982)
'Airlines Resume' 1980
offset lithograph on paper
Image Size: 22 x 29 cm
Dimensions: 22 x 29 cm image and overall sheet size, scored to fold
Signed: Signed and dated lower left: Eric Thake 1980, inscribed with dedication to Dr Hoff verso. Inscribed reverse sheet, ink Dear Ursula / Just a reminder that / both I and the cards / have reached the end / of the line. / Best wishes for 81 / EricInscribed reverse sheet [by Ursula Hoff?] , pencil answer
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Impressions of this work are at the:
National Gallery of Victoria, accession number: 2005.96
Art Gallery of South Australia, accession number: 20172G41

Condition: Excellent

© The Artist or Assignee