Tasmanian jeweller Phill Mason dies just before major exhibition at Hobart’s Handmark Gallery

A leader in Tasmania’s art scene, award-winning jeweller Phill Mason has died just before a major exhibition. His wife has paid a moving tribute

Tasmanian jeweller Phill Mason is being remembered as an “absolute master” and hailed for his contribution to the art scene.

Mr Mason, 73, died on Flinders Island on Monday less than a week before an exhibition with his son Tyrus was due to open at Handmark Gallery in Hobart.

Gallery director Allanah Dopson said she first spotted Mr Mason’s work 30 years ago when she was living in Sydney.

“It just shone out from everything else. I had not seen anything as inventive as Phill’s jewellery,” she said.

“He wasn’t just a jeweller, he was an ideas man.

“Phill was an absolute master, he was known for his beautiful work with Killiecrankie diamonds and he was amazing at faceting.”

Phill Mason in his Salamanca shop

His wife Jane Giblin said “Phill gave me the love no other man ever gave”.

“Phill pushed and supported me, like none before,” she said.

“Phill gave me our faith.

“He was my home.”

Ms Dopson said not only did Mr Mason win awards he led the way in the art scene.

“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,” she wrote in a message from the gallery.

Meet the Artist. Phil Mason." Light of Flinders" necklace with 25ct Killiecrankie diamond and pearls

“Not only did Phill exhibit, win awards, and attend workshops all over the world, he was President of the Crafts Council of Tasmania and Salamanca Arts Centre, Vice President of the Crafts Council of Australia, National President of the Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia and a Foundation member of the Gold and Silversmiths Guild of Australia. Phill also taught jewellery design and fabrication at the Hobart College of TAFE for five years from 1987.”

Born in Sydney, Mr Mason’s work was always in demand and was sought across the world.

Ms Dopson said earlier this year he suggested having an exhibition with Tyrus to celebrate, 40 years, 40 awards, 40 pieces, “a celebration of four decades of goldsmithing and gemstone faceting”.

Phill Mason's Dark Mofo inspired jewellery, titled Monstrance Hosting Light. A Killiecrankie diamond topaz from Flinders Island table piece.

“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.

“We hope you will come along and celebrate the great life and contribution Phill has made and join Handmark and his family to honour him.

“We are humbled that the much-admired writer, curator and friend of Phill, Grace Cochrane AM is travelling from Sydney to open this exhibition and her words about Phill’s amazing attributes and contribution to the Arts will be appreciated by all.

“To Phill’s family, his children and his wife, Jane Giblin – our thoughts are with you.”

Phill Mason’s work was sought by many wishing to buy unique Tasmania pieces. His work included a christening spoon crafted by him and his son Tyrus given by the state government for Princess Mary to mark the birth of her first son Christian in 2005.

Mr Mason died “contentedly” at Mololo on Flinders Island, the once home of Jane’s great, great grandparents.