PROMINENT WA artist Robert Juniper has unveiled his latest work at the Perth Mint, commissioned for a new collectible series of gold coins celebrating famous wine regions.
Drawing inspiration from the coastline of the South West of the State, Mr Juniper’s Inlet is a striking fusion of creative talent, gold rivulets and the wine industry in the Margaret River region.
The Perth Mint manager collectibles David McCulloch said the premium wine market and the market for the Perth Mint collectibles shared some strikingly similar demographics.
“What the Perth Mint is doing is taking precious metals and working with leading Australian artists … we look at it as a partnership with the artists,” Mr McCulloch said
“I’ve worked in the arts community and in exporting and I was aware of a lot of talent in the medium.
“We can’t be a Franklin Mint, but we don’t want to be either.”
Drawing on his recent experience as WA Wine Industry Association chief executive, Mr McCulloch developed the idea for a series of limited edition prints, mounted with two specially struck medallions, from four of Australia’s most pre-eminent wine regions, The Barossa, the Hunter Valley, the Yarra Valley and Margaret River.
The Perth Mint has plans to expand their collectibles work with the addition of pieces in new mediums, including silk and ceramics.
Two new works developed in conjunction with the glasswork of local artist Elizabeth Mavrick indicate The Perth Mint’s innovative approach to its collectibles range.
“It’s got to be relevant and it’s got to have a pure metal relationship,” Mr McCulloch said.
“With wine, there’s a long standing relationship with gold as the top gong in the industry.
“I think we’re fairly unique and the intention is to take this not just to WA but create an international brand.”
