Matthew Gerard Harding
1964 – 2018
Tragically Matthew Harding ended his life on the 22nd of February 2018. His death was unexpected and has shaken all who knew him – family, friends, collaborators, the town of Trentham, the cities of Canberra and Newcastle and the art’s communities are all grieving a wonderful man who has left us too soon.
Matthew shined bright.
Matthew was a renowned sculptor who has left an extraordinary legacy of work in Australia and around the world. He was brilliant and one of the most accomplished sculptors in Australia; he was compassionate and had a rare generosity of spirit.
Matthew was loved and cherished by his partner, children, family and wide circle of friends. He was a gifted creative artist, a deeply connected friend, and most importantly, he was known for his deep love for his family: partner Freya, four beautiful children Arabella (10), Lulu (9), Polly (6) and Hugo (4), mother, father and siblings.
Matthew Harding Family Support Fund
Matthew was an incredibly creative, prolific and successful artist, however, he struggled financially all his life in pursuit of his art. His family struggled along with him and had many ups and downs. Despite the financial stresses they thrived as a family living in a modest home full of love and joy – all sleeping in one room.
As single mother Freya now faces the near impossible task of providing financial, emotional and physical support to her four young children.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created - if you can, please consider donating to this beautiful family.
Funeral and memorial service
Join us to remember and celebrate the life of Matthew Harding.
11am Thursday 8th March, 2018.
St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Trentham, Victoria.
Immediately following the Mass, Matthew will be buried at Trentham Cemetery.
The service will be followed by a wake at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham.
For more information please contact Natural Grace Funeral Services in Woodend on 1300 008 037.
Freya plans to create a garden in Matthew’s honour, so that the family can tend, nurture and grow something beautiful from their loss. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to bring a frost-tolerant (it is Trentham!) plant of your choice.
--
Newcastle region service
Saturday 17th March 2018 at 10am St Bridget’s Catholic church in William Street Raymond Terrace.
Remembering
This website – his family, friends and collaborators are committed to maintaining and expanding this website and in the future other mediums.
In person – we are blessed that so much of Matthew’s work can be easily viewed, enjoyed all across Australia.
Meredith Hinchliffe remembers Matthew Harding
Linda Nathan from Australian Wood review
Facebook – Tracks and Traces – A space on Facebook to share thoughts, images, memories of Matthew
Contact
This is a challenging time for his family, friends and collaborators.
In order to more easily manage incoming correspondence, a new contact email has been created: admin@matthewharding.com.au. We appreciate your understanding that a significant delay may be expected in responding.
Support
Life can get so hard sometimes, some people feel things so deeply. If you are struggling, and life feels difficult please reach out.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
© Matthew Harding 2018