A Matcham Skipper pressed and wrought iron plant stand, well used and showing lovely character. Almost too good as a sculpture to use for plants. The plants that do go well with this work are orchids and succulents. Orchids contrast especially well in bloom.

The sculptural shape and pure material honesty of this piece is begging for contrast with clean lines, and plain materials. Plain concrete and brick go particularly well as a backdrop. It can also be used to hold a round glass top (not included), as a table.

Matcham Skipper famously utilised the off-pressing waste from the Sidchrome tool works in Brunswick (which later moved to West Heidelberg), Victoria, as the primary material for his sculptural works.

In 1964, he cut, arranged and welded these materials together in lace-like patterns for a large commission at the Australian National University. It was a great success, though sadly later painted, which was never the intention. His works were intended to wear and weather.

Production of this series of pressed and wrought waste iron continued with a range of 'mandalas' to adorn the walls of newly built modern homes on the growing outskirts of Melbourne in the late 1960s and through the 1970s. Many are still in situ today.

Other productions included table bases, plant stands and chandeliers. Note, rubber bumpers may be needed to hold glass in place and prevent scratching. We can advise.

MEASURES:

77cm H x 57 cm W

CONDITION:

Surface rust, natural age of materials.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Matcham Skipper (1921-2011) was born in Melbourne, and studied at the Victorian artists' colony Monsalvat under the tutelage of its founder, the artist and philosopher Justus Jorgensen. Matcham Skipper was known for his proficiency in a variety of arts, including film-making, metalwork, jewellery-making, silversmithing, and clay modelling. teaching the two latter disciplines at Monsalvat. His wrought-iron screens can be seen at the front entrance to the Australian National University's H. C. Coombs building.

Note, rubber bumpers may be needed to hold glass in place and prevent scratching. We can advise.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Matcham Skipper in 1964. (Source: picture by Sue Ford, from the collection of Nillumbik Shire Council, Museums Victoria)