CEREMONIAL SUITE
Mace, Mace Stand and Chancellor’s Chair (Swinburne University of Technology)
Silky Oak, Sterling Silver, Gold, Anodised Aluminium.
Commissioned by Swinburne University of Technology and presented to the University as its inaugural ceremonial suite by the Cities of Boroondara and Stonnington
The Mace: The eight-sided barrel-staved stock is topped with a sterling silver and gold finial into the top of which stars, in the Southern Cross configuration, are set. The finial houses a netsuke style three-dimensional carving based on the Swinburne University crest, which was itself based on the family crest of the University’s founder, George Swinburne. The stock tail is based on a Boars tail in keeping with the rampant Boar, which is the primary component of the crest.
The Stand: Solid silver brackets hold the Mace in an upright position in the void of the stand during ceremonies to attest to the presence of the Chancellor or designated Presiding Officer.
The Chair: The eight sides of the Mace are reflected in the eight sections in the laminations of the back and seat. The motto from the crest is carved into both sides of the chair back, echoing its application to the Mace finial. An engraved and anodised aluminium medallion set into the back recalls the crest in its two-dimensional form.
The team that collaborated on the manufacture of the suite included Ian Higgs, Wood Artisan (who has worked on many of Lueckenhausen’s designs), Hendrik Forster, Gold and Silver Smith, Sue Wraight, Netsuke carver and Marion Marshall, Jeweller and Gold and Silver Smith.
