Tasmanian jeweller Phill Mason has passed away at the age of 73, just days before his new exhibition with his son was scheduled to open in Hobart.
Mason was known as an “absolute master” and was highly regarded for his innovative and inventive jewellery designs.
Handmark Gallery Director Allanah Dopson said Mason won numerous awards and held leadership positions in the art scene, including being the President of the Crafts Council of Tasmania and Vice President of the Crafts Council of Australia.
“If you had to name one Tasmanian jeweller who has received more accolades than any other over the years, Phill Mason would be that person,” Dopson said.
“Born in Sydney, Phill had his first solo exhibition in Hobart at Handmark Gallery in 1986 when it was in Hampden Road Battery Point.”
“This was also the year he set up Mason’s studio jewellers at the entrance to Galleria Salamanca. In 1995 he apprenticed his son Tyrus to work by his side.”
The planned exhibition with his son will still go ahead on Friday 10 November as a celebration of Mason’s 40 years in the industry, with the opening to be conducted by writer and curator Grace Cochrane.
“We are deeply saddened that Phill will only be with us in spirit, but know that he, his wife, Jane Giblin, and Tyrus who have put so much into planning this exhibition would want it to go ahead,” said Dopson.
Mason’s family and the Handmark Gallery, where the exhibition will be held, are inviting the public to come and celebrate his life and legacy.
