Aussie Girls - Esther Paterson (1892 - 1971)

Aussie Girls was Esther Paterson's first book of sketches published in 1918 by Melbourne Publishing Company.

Esther Paterson photograph from Paterson family portrait collection: http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an23491771

Esther Paterson commenced her art training at the National Gallery of Victoria school when she was thirteen. Paterson contributed cartoons of 'flappers' for The Bulletin, and featured in the Melbourne papers Punch, Aussie magazine and Argus. Paterson also worked a portraitist and commercial artist.

Paterson often collaborated on illustrating books for children with her sister, Betty Paterson, who was also an author. Both sisters also provided illustrations for various Australian magazines. in 1966 Paterson was awarded an MBE.