As a sculptor and jeweller, Matcham Skipper has undoubtedly made a significant contribution to the artistic wealth of Australia. His works are represented in National Gallery collections throughout Australia and in museums overseas, including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the British Museum and the Montreal Museum.
Born in 1921 and an early student of Justus Jörgensen, he was a founding member of the ‘artists colony’ that became Montsalvat.
Matcham is a recipient of fellowships from both the Harkness and Churchill Foundations.
His dedication saw him honoured in 1996 on Australia Day for his contributions to the arts and community in the Shire of Nillumbik.
In 1997, Matcham received an Emeritus Award from the Australia Council NSW. “The Emeritus Award acknowledges the achievements of eminent senior visual artists or craftspeople who have made outstanding and lifelong contributions to the visual arts and craft in Australia.”