Matcham Skipper (1921-2011), sculptor and jeweller, undoubtedly made a significant contribution to the artistic richness of Australia. Over many years he completed significant commissions and crafted artworks of prizewinning status, which are represented in national collections throughout Australia and in museums of Europe. He was born in 1921 and moved with his parents to the artists' community of Eltham at the age of 12. A conscientious objector he worked in ammunition factories during the Second World War. This resulted in his first experiments with metalworking. Under the tutelage of Justus Jorgensen at Montsalvat, Eltham, he became proficient in many arts including film-making, metal-work and jewellery. His dedication saw him honoured in 1996 on Australia Day for his contributions to the arts and community and in 1997 he received an Emeritus Award from the Australia Council. Skipper is shown in the Mark Strizic photograph of the artist in 1963working on the gates of the Coombs Building at ANU.
