ProvenanceTable setting of wood carved with poker pattern. It was designed for the Jubilee150 celebrations in South Australia in 1986 and was featured in the exhibition at Adelaide University called 'Craft tradition in a time of change'. The artist, George Byrtschak first noticed this type of craft work as a child in the Ukraine. He would go on school tours to the Karpathian Mountains, where this particular design and wood carving is common. The artist arrived in Australia in 1950 as a displaced person, after spending some time in a camp in Switzerland. He had a two-year contract at Tailem Bend as a railway worker, then worked in Islington workshops as a fitter, turner and boiler maker. After that, he worked at General Motors Holden for 28 years, as fitter and turner. George only began concentrating on his wood carving in his retirement.SignificanceThis artwork is representative of Ukrainian wood carving work and an example of the many projects for South Australia's 150th jubilee celebrations showcasing migration and diversity to South Australia.DescriptionTable setting of wood carved with a poker pattern. The setting consists of a: soup spoon; b: knife; c: fork; d: napkin ring; e: bread & butter plate; f: saucer; g: cup; h: teaspoon; i: soup bowl; j: dinner plate; k: linen napkin. Wood burnt with a poker pattern. Colour of the wood yellowish. Wood probably pine. On the base of the soup bowl the artist has applied veneer. Texture of all objects is smooth, except for the linen napkin.Date of Creation1985Date of Usage1986Accession NumberHT 1994.0116 a-k
