An original Matcham Skipper plant stand, in flower form, well used and showing lovely character.

Skipper famously utilised the off-pressing waste from the Sidchrome tool works in Brunswick (which later moved to West Heidelberg), Victoria. In 1964, he cut, arranged and welded these materials together in lace-like patterns for a large building screen commissioned by the Australian National University. It was a great success.

He followed this concept by producing '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 products of this sculpting process included table bases, plant stands and chandeliers.

This plant stand and/or side table base has a tulip or flower form. It reminds us of the bronze works of Louise Bourgeois - menacing, carnivorous, alien forms that trigger some ancient anxiety in us.

It can hold up a glass top as a side table. Some rubber bumpers may be needed to hold glass in place and prevent scratching.

Its sculptural shape and material honesty show best against clean lines, plain materials and block colour. Plain concrete, brick and plain, unpatterned tiles go particularly well as a backdrop.

MEASURES:

60cm H x 45cm W

CONDITION:

Surface rust, natural age of materials, some remnants of the original heat-blackened finish. Looks great as is.

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)