Heritage trail celebrates Percy Leason, who did Wizard of Oz illustrations
The article explores the life of Australian illustrator Percy Leason, who moved to the United States and illustrated the 1939 'The Wizard of Oz Picture Book'. It highlights his journey from a rural Australian farm to contributing to cinematic history.
Why it matters
It provides historical context on the global influence of Australian artists and the cultural legacy of a classic film.
The Wizard of Oz Picture Book, illustrated by Percy Leason, was published in 1939. ( Supplied: David Kuhfahl )
Link copied Share Share article A fortnight before Nazi Germany marched into Poland and plunged the world into yet another war, a movie premiered in Hollywood that would entertain the world for decades to come.
The Wizard of Oz was a transformational movie, bursting into wondrous colour before a mesmerised audience.
It premiered on August 15, 1939 and has spurred countless remakes, still entertaining new generations of viewers.
But what is less known is the role the small town of Kaniva, and even smaller settlement of Lillimur, in far western Victoria, played in the success of the film.
Percy Leason was born in 1889 on a wheat farm at Lillimur before his family moved 10km into Kaniva.
He would go on to become Australia's most successful illustrator of his time.
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