A Milestone Journey to Canberra
Service and memory have always been close to my heart. Long before I founded ILANEL in Melbourne, my own years of military service taught me how a single symbol can carry a profound message.
I recently had the honour of visiting Canberra for the premiere of 'A New Anzac' at the Australian War Memorial. It was a wonderful event and a deeply moving experience to see our story shared alongside the institution's incredible transformation.
We were commissioned to create the 'Canberra Beacons', a pair of pendant lights inspired by a shrapnel-scarred lantern salvaged from the HMAS Canberra during the Battle of Savo Island in 1942. I wanted these lights to be more than fixtures; they are witnesses. We used brass to honour the ship’s strength and forged glass to recreate the warm candle light that guided sailors home through the darkness.
I invite you to watch our story on SBS On Demand - you can find me sharing the history and the craftsmanship behind the Beacons at the 38:38 mark of the 2nd episode linked below.
Watch: 'A New Anzac' on SBS On Demand
Our Pillars in Practice
Storytelling: The Canberra Beacons distil naval history into a commemorative landmark. They remind us that light is a vital heartbeat for our national identity.
Craftsmanship: Handcrafted in our St Kilda atelier, these brass and forged glass pieces synthesise traditional techniques with modern technical rigour.
Creativity: By reimagining a 1942 lantern for the contemporary era, we’ve ensured that technology remains subservient to the art and the story it tells.
Scale: From monumental pendants in the heart of Canberra to the interactive eclipse of 'Ora' in Melbourne, we strive to make every space nurturing and engaging.
You can experience the 'Canberra Beacons' in person at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, and don't forget to visit 'Ora' at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia (Level 2, Gallery 9) while the school holidays continue.
