Original, and rare, Second World War pictorial poster map, Australia. Her Natural and Industrial Resources, published by the British Ministry of Information in 1942 and designed by Leslie MacDonald Gill. (More information about this influential designer can be found here).

From a series of three decorative maps completed by MacDonald Gill for the British government in 1942 to illustrate how the ‘Empire’ was supporting the war effort in a shared, global, endeavour (the other two being maps for Canada and New Zealand).

This decorative map features illustrations of Australia’s agricultural and industrial output, depicted within a green border. At the base, a description declares: Australia’s industrial resources have been completely reorganised to meet war-time demands. Her factories are now turning out armaments of many types and aircraft, including fighters and bombers. Her shipbuilding programme includes destroyers, minesweepers and merchant vessels. In addition, Australia is contributing to a great wheat pool which will help to feed the starving peoples of Europe when the war is over.

After the war, the set was reissued with revised messages highlighting the valuable war time contribution made by each country and looking forward to a prosperous and peaceful future.

A higher resolution image is available for viewing on request.