A Reproduction 1932 – 33 ‘Bodyline Tour’ signed Sir Donald Bradman

A reproduction imprint of the Iconic 1932 – 33 ‘Bodyline Tour’ poster specially signed by Sir Donald Bradman

This reproduction imprint of the iconic travel poster created for the 1932-33 ‘bodyline’ Ashes series entitled ‘Go Out to Australia for the Test Matches September 1932- March 33’ has been specially signed by the all-time greatest batsman, Sir Donald Bradman towards the centre of its image.
The original poster was published by Troedel and Cooper Pty Ltd Melb. It was reproduced with permission of the Percy Trompf Estate and published by Post-Age Pty Lid (Sydney).
Dimensions:
Height - 89 cm
Width - 63.5 cm
Condition – Very Good

This poster was created by Percival Alfred Trompf (1902 – 1964). Trompf was an Australian commercial artist best known for his travel posters, books, advertising hoardings and pamphlets promoting the nation’s tourist industry and Australian and international corporations and companies. His colour lithography was recognised as distinctive during his career and since, Art Decoin style, and innovative in its use of flat colour.

Sir Donald George Bradman (27 August 1908 – 25 February 2001) known as Don Bradman and nicknamed ‘The Don’ was an Australian international cricketer who was regarded as the greatest batsman of all time. His career Test batting average of 99.94 collected over 52 matches is considered by some commentators to be the greatest achievement by any sportsman in any major sport.
Before the 1932-33 Ashes tour, Douglas Jardine, the captain of England noted that Bradman was uncomfortable facing deliveries higher than usual at a faster pace, having observed him to step back consistently out of the line of the ball.

Jardine felt that Bradman was nervous about standing his ground against intimidatory bowling, contrary to orthodox batting technique and decided that the bodyline bowling tactic should be used against him and other top batsmen in forthcoming test matches.

Bodyline bowling was a cricketing tactic devised by English cricket team for their 1932-33 Ashes tour to Australia to counter the extraordinary batting skills and prowess of Australia’s leading batsman, Donald ‘Don’ Bradman and curb his scoring.

A bodyline delivery was one in which the cricket ball crick was bowled at pace, aimed at the body of the batsman in the expectation that when he defended himself with his bat, a resulting deflection could be caught by one of several fielders placed close on the leg side.
At that time, no helmets or upper body protective gear was worn, and critics of the tactic, both in Australia and England, considered it intimidating, overly aggressive, physically threatening and unfair, in a game that was traditionally supposed to uphold traditions of sportsmanship.
Over time, several of the Laws of Cricket were changed to render the bodyline tactic less effective and increase player safety.

This iconic poster reported to have been signed by The Don as a special gesture for an Australian sports journalist ranks as a unique item of cricket memorabilia. It is a must for an Ashes Series aficionado or a dedicated
collector of cricket memorabilia.
This beautiful poster carrying the signature of cricket’s greatest batsman with its intriguing backstory is a museum piece par excellence.