Matcham Skipper (Melbourne, Australia), jewellery

Matcham Skipper (1921 – 2011) was a self-taught jeweller who lived and worked in Melbourne. He is best known for his figurative cast silver jewellery, often including large stones. Skipper was born in Melbourne in and grew up in Eltham, a suburb that was still rural at the time. His father was a radical writer and his mother was a painter. Skipper showed an early interest in art and crafts. He began making jewellery in 1945, using silver coins and other found objects. He gleaned information about jewellery making from books and trade journals, and from talking to other jewellers.

In 1958, Skipper had his first solo exhibition at the Brummel Gallery in South Yarra. The exhibition was a success, and Skipper quickly became one of the most sought-after jewellers of his generation. He was known for his unique style, which combined figurative elements with a modern sensibility. His more... work was often inspired by European mythology and folklore.

In 1968, Skipper was commissioned to create cufflinks for the Duke of Edinburgh. He drew on the theme of Icarus for the design, which featured two figures in flight. The cufflinks were a major coup for Skipper, and they helped to solidify his reputation as one of Australia's leading jewellers.

Skipper continued to work as a jeweller until his death in 2011. His work is held in major collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Powerhouse Museum, and the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.

In addition to his work as a jeweller, Skipper was also a sculptor, a painter, and a writer. He was a complex and contradictory figure, but he was also a highly talented artist who made a significant contribution to Australian jewellery design. less...