Yass artist Peter Crisp presents a piece of the table setting he was commissioned to make by the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, as a wedding gift for the then Prince of Wales and Camilla at Clarence House, London, in 2006. An artist’s proof of one of the plates is on display at the Yass Library. Photo: Royal photographer George Bodnar.
Curated works of acclaimed glass artist Peter Crisp, which have been showcased throughout the world – including being presented to royalty – are now on display closer to his heart and home – in Yass.
Thanks to an initiative by Southern Tablelands Arts (STA) and support from the Yass Valley Council, works of regional artists will go on display in a special purpose exhibition area at the Yass Library.
Five pieces of Mr Crisp’s work are the first to go on display, a fitting tribute to the artist who, in 2022, celebrates his 40th year in the creative field. Each piece tracks his growth as an artist, including a proof of the Camelot dinner plate, part of a dinner service he made for the then Charles, Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall back in 2006.
The glass tableware was commissioned by Charles’ regiment, the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, as a gift to the then engaged couple. Other pieces of his work include a stunning jewelled glass piece designed in memory of Elizabeth R and a Byzantium cross, to a piece he made for his first show at the Mill Gallery, Braidwood back in 1982, Tall Alabastron.
Tall Alabastron created by Peter Crisp is one of the Bowning artist’s works on show at the new Yass Library display. Photo: Peter Crisp.
“I think this is such a wonderful idea,” Mr Crisp said, “to showcase the work of artists in their own areas. It’s only just been installed in the library but I’ve already had people come up to me in Yass saying how much they like what’s been done.
“I’m very happy with the choice of pieces selected for this, it goes from some of the first ones right through my career.
“One of the things I really like about this display at the library is that it will reach a demographic that my work isn’t usually exposed to, and that’s great.”
The works were curated by the executive director of STA, Rose Marin, with the display known as the STA Box Gallery.
“Mr Crisp’s work is prized across the globe,” she said. “And this is a great opportunity to see his masterful glass creations in Yass any time the library is open.
“The STA Box Gallery is a unique, glass-covered plinth that will enable Yass Valley residents to view small-to-medium artworks from local and regional artists,” Ms Marin said.
Mr Crisp, whose gallery is at Bowning, about 15km west of Yass, will be the first artist showcased, followed by others from the Valley. Other councils have also taken up the idea in the Southern Tablelands, including Young.
Yass Valley Council’s director of corporate and community, Lynette Safranek, said the STA Box Gallery was another great reason to visit the Yass Valley Library.
“We are thrilled to have a permanent exhibition space that will stimulate the imagination of library visitors and celebrate local artists,” she said.
Yass Valley Mayor Allan McGrath congratulates Peter Crisp on being the first artist to exhibit his work at the new library display. Photo: Yass Valley Council.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for more of our residents to experience internationally-acclaimed art without having to travel far.
“I highly recommend viewing Peter Crisp’s exhibition this spring. The first display sets the benchmark for more exciting artworks to come.”
The Crisp Gallery has been closed during the COVID-19 lockdown, but the artist has been busy.
This year marks the 40th anniversary since his first exhibition and plans are afoot to reopen the gallery in November on Saturdays and by appointment.
He has also used the time in lockdown to concentrate on making stunning one-off jewelry pieces and commissions for glasses by the Bombay Sapphire company. He has also set up his original glass studio as a bed and breakfast.
“There’s been a lot to do,” Mr Crisp said. “There always is here. It might be my 40th year, but I have no plans to slow down.”
Hear the artist talk about his work here.
The STA Box Gallery will feature a new exhibition every season. Artists and creatives interested to know more are encouraged to contact STA via its website.
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