C1921 - deceased

Jack Britten was born and raised in the bush and grew up knowing a traditional lifestyle.  He lived at Frog Hollow, 37 kilometres south of Turkey Creek.   His memories included that of the camel wagon trains and their Afghan drivers with supplies for the out-stations, and seeing his first motor vehicle.  His horsemanship was legendary, he worked as a stockman on many East Kimberley pastoral leases, including Mabel Downs, Bow  River, Lissadell, Texas Downs and the defunct Bungle Bungles cattle station.   His insight into Ngarrangkani, (dreamtime) events and sites was amazing and provided a firm database for his very visual canvasses.

Jack Britten’s bush name Warn-ngayirriny comes from a dreaming place for a species of native bee.   They make a loud buzzing noise in hot weather when they come to water for a drink.


Jack passed away in 2002, he was one of the great great artists that put the art from the Kimberley on the world map.