Bert Flugelman

Herbert 'Bert' Flugelman (1923) died 2 days ago, on 26 February 2013.

Flugelman was a prominent Australian visual artist who had many of his works publicly displayed. He is known for his stainless steel geometric sculptures.

Flugelman was born in Vienna, Austria in 1923 and migrated to Australia in 1938 when he was 15 years old. It was on the eve of World War II. From 1943 to 1946 Flugelman served in the Australian army (non combative duties) and from 1948 to 1951 he studied at the National Art School in Sydney.

 From 1951 to 1955 he traveled overseas but in 1952 he contracted polio which left him partially crippled. Despite this he had several successful exhibitions at the Piccadilly Gallery in London and the Barone Gallery in New York before returning to Australia in 1955.

Flugelman's career has not been without controversy such as when he created the chainsaw carving of Margaret Thatcher and "The Silver Shish Kebab" placed in Martin Place, Sydney which was heavily criticised by Sydney's Lord Mayor Frank Sartor that led to the sculpture being moved to Spring Street.

Thanks, Steve