Vale Will Matthysen
5 Jan 2026
News
The Victorian Woodworkers Association has been asked to share the sad news of the sudden passing of VWA Life member and ex-President Will Matthysen.
We extend our sincere condolences to Will’s family and friends.
| Hamish Hill (VWA Life member and ex-President) has written a few words about Will. “It is sad to have to relate the unexpected death of Will Matthysen, to heart attack, in the early hours of New Year’s Eve. Will was a friend to many woodworkers around the country and his positive energy will be greatly missed by us all. He served the VWA extremely well as President for 3 years and a committee member for 4 or 5, overseeing the introduction of the greatly profitable Insurance scheme as well as guiding the VWA through difficult negotiations regarding tenants and tenancy at the Meat Market and Arts Victoria, as well as organising a blockbuster exhibition in 2005. Below is a brief biography I wrote for the VWA History: Architecture was Will’s profession before he allowed the pleasures of making clocks to consume him. He originally worked on several large and small architectural projects in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia, as well as trying his hand at teaching architecture. Will joined the VWA in 1991 after I accosted him at The Working with Wood Show in the Royal Exhibition Buildings. At the time he was exhibiting two magnificent large sculptural wall clocks he had made. He went on to develop and refine the making of fine clocks both wall and smaller cabinet based, mantel clocks. Now in 2025 he has made well over 200 of these sculptural, individual works of fine wood and metal craft that demonstrate his architectural background and fastidious, highly skilled workmanship. ‘I fear words are totally inadequate’. Oh Lackaday! Hamish Hill” |