A small Australian town's surprising link to The Wizard of Oz

The enduring magic of the 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz' has a surprising connection to the small towns of Kaniva and Lillimur in western Victoria, Australia. While the movie captivated audiences with its groundbreaking use of color, its promotional efforts involved an Australian illustrator whose roots lay in these very communities.

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MGM wanted to make a splash of it

Percy Leason, born in 1889 on a wheat farm in Lillimur before his family relocated to Kaniva, rose to become one of Australia's most accomplished illustrators. Facing financial challenges in the United States after moving there in 1937 with one child, Leason accepted an offer to illustrate a children's book designed to promote the upcoming film. His grandson, David Kuhfahl, recounted that the family was down to "two potatoes" when the opportunity arose.

Leason illustrated 'The Wizard of Oz Picture Book,' a condensed version of L. Frank Baum's original novel, which was intended to generate excitement for the film's release. This work etched his name into cinematic history. Despite initial payment issues, including a bounced publisher's check, Leason eventually received his due and was able to reunite his family in New York.

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two potatoes

Leason's artistic talent was recognized early. His parents sold their farm to move to Kaniva, building him a shed to sketch in. He later studied painting and worked as a lithographic artist and book illustrator in Melbourne before becoming a prominent cartoonist for publications like The Bulletin and The Sydney Morning Herald. He was also a key figure in the tonal art movement, known for his atmospheric landscapes.

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The town's name represents what I learnt