An Eccentric History in Batik, The Art of Dinah Priestley and Tony Burton
$55 | Hardback | Full colour | Coffee table book
248pp | 270mm x 205mm (Portrait)
ISBN: 978-1-0670519-7-6
Published by Mary Egan Publishing
“No matter how much society urges us to conform, humans remain funny, loveable, taciturn and often delightfully eccentric.”
For over four decades Dinah & Tony’s artworks have celebrated human nature and the odd quirks of national character with warmth, wit and sharp social commentary. Their responses to the changing world around them have created a joyful, personal history of NZ that will make you laugh with recognition.
In this book Dinah takes us on a journey through the eclectic mix of art she and Tony created; art that made a statement, called out the establishment, questioned the decisions of higher ups, and which highlighted the rich diversity of New Zealand and examined its varied history. Using a melange of medium from Batik to masks, cartoons to painting, and even diving into literature, Dinah and Tony were able to express what made, and still makes, New Zealand so special. Their pieces showcased New Zealanders, ranging from historical figures to strippers, shearers, and politicians. With personal photos and Dinah’s uncensored commentary, we also get a glimpse of the love affair behind the art. This is Dinah’s homage to the man she loved and all that they accomplished together.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Dinah Priestley
Dinah is a New Zealand artist, writer, actor, cartoonist and broadcaster. Her books include For God’s Sake Saddle Me a Donkey, Old Thorndon, The Premier’s House, and several children’s titles. Her popular radio work includes Dinkum Purlers, and her screen credits range from Close to Home to Shortland Street. A compulsive sketcher, Dinah loves when her art and stories make people laugh.
Tony Burton
[1942–2020] Tony was a teacher, actor, artist, Thorndon Society champion and fern enthusiast. Known for his roles in Close to Home, Mirror, Mirror and more, he later turned his creative energy to batik, pioneering new dye techniques. A tireless advocate for Thorndon’s historic buildings, Tony also leaves a legacy of lush ferns and nikau palms, many of which appear in his artwork.
Reviews
“An exquisite taonga”
Carole Beu MNZM, The Women’s Bookshop
“Hilarious and sharp as a filleting knife. Dinah and Tony’s work has an elegant political savagery”
Robyn Malcolm
“Buy this for yourself, and buy one for the grumpiest person you know. You’ll both feel better. Guaranteed.”
Ginette MacDonald
“Dinah and Tony, if you guys were from Trade Me
I’d give you A++++”
Karen O'Leary
RNZ
RNZ’s Culture 101 sits down with the Dinah Priestley to talk art, activism and a remarkable creative partnership
The Spinoff
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits of Aotearoa writers, and guests. This week: Dinah Priestley, artist and co-author of An Eccentric History in Batiq: the art of Tony Burton and Dinah Priestley.
Regional News – Eyes on Wellington
“An Eccentric History in Batik is as much a record of creative rebellion as it is a story of love between two artists, and between those artists and their country. As witty, heartfelt, and sharp-eyed as her life’s anthology, Priestley tells me her story in full technicolour.”
Read the full article here
Newsroom
An Eccentric History in Batik is a lovely time-capsule of late 20th century Wellington bohemia, and a record of an interesting, cool (what an outfit!, below), happy couple.
Read the full article here
Sample Spreads
For review copies, interview requests or media enquiries, please contact:
Elizabeth Heritage
022 652 3981
books@elizabethheritage.co.nz
www.elizabethheritage.co.nz