Early Morning, Augusta (Western Australia)

A.B. Webb was a Kent-born commercial artist who emigrated from England to Western Australia for health reasons in 1915. He began experimenting with woodblock printing in 1921, and produced his best work in the medium in the early 1920s, his subjects all describing the scenery around his home at Nedlands. Although an expatriate, and strongly influenced by the art nouveau movement in London and prevailing Japonism, his work is celebrated for its uniquely Western Australian character.

For a collection of Webb's Western Australian watercolours and prints consigned by the artist's family, see Christie's London, 24 September 2015, lots 28-39.