Vale Will Matthysen, master craftsman

The sudden death of Will Matthysen leaves an unfillable void in the woodworking world. As a maker, designer, mentor and active community member, Will’s legacy will however live on.

Will Matthysen has been a steady and valued presence in the woodworking world for over three decades. His sudden death on 30 December, 2025 from a massive heart attack comes as a sharp blow to his loved ones and friends, and to all who knew him through the unique clocks he made and the positive influence he extended to others.

My own connection goes back to 1993 just a year after the magazine was first published. Will wrote an article for Australian Wood Review’s third issue and one of his clocks featured on the cover. After that I met Will several times and spoke with him many more. He wrote a number of articles for the magazine and judged AWR competitions on more than one occasion. Put simply, Will was a lovely and hugely talented man who also cared about others and acted on that. I remember an always pleasant and smiling person whose quiet words were backed by a sharp intellect that took in an awareness of and empathy for others.

Will Matthysen in 2014 with his award winning Clock 174 made from recycled crate parts.

South African born, Will trained as an architect in London and Melbourne before working on commercial projects for ten years. In his first article for the magazine, Will wrote how his clockmaking knowledge was largely self taught. ‘(Clockmaking) is an interest going back to my school years, starting with the dismantling of the family’s mantle clock and followed by numerous visits to the local library to supplement hands-on experience with a theoretical background.’ While studying architecture in London, Will spent time in the Science and British Museums sketching and studying clock collections, and later completed a course in clockmaking at RMIT in Melbourne.

Setting up his own workshop in Melbourne in 1989, Will went on to develop a full-time career in designing and making intricate and innovative clocks. Combining both metal and wood, he enjoyed ‘operating at the fringes of established traditional crafts and blurring the boundaries between them.’ He developed techniques and built gear-cutting machines, jigs and templates. He loved native Australian timbers, researched their properties and experimented with their use.

Clock 204, shown at Studio Woodworkers Australia's exhibition, The Art of Making, at Australian Design Centre 2022. Photo: Anna Hay

Will Matthysen’s opus of finely crafted clocks numbers over 200 and the list of awards he received is extensive. Building on traditional clock mechanics he used a range of materials and woods to develop supremely elegant clocks where function and ornament share an integral relationship. Framed in finely crafted display cases, his designs sought to expose the beauty of both the mechanisms and structures he created.

Like many woodworkers, Will enjoyed working alone in his home-based workshop, however he recognised the need for and benefits of like-minded fellowship and took on leadership roles in the Victorian Woodworkers Association. He served as President from 2002 to 2005 and again from 2010 to 2011, overseeing the development of programs and exhibitions. Will was a member of Studio Woodworkers Australia and for a time also served as Chair for that association.

Clock 190. Photo: Ian Hill

Will shared his knowledge in another Australian Wood Review article in 1998 (issue 19) and later wrote a three part article on making a wooden geared clock for issues 52, 53 and 54. Later issues have also featured images of several of his award-winning clocks. Will also worked as a design tutor at Melbourne University from 1989 to 1994, and taught two clockmaking programs at the Australian School of Fine Furniture in Launceston (2003, 2005).

Will Matthysen was a master designer and maker who devoted himself to the study and development of his craft. Along the way, he actively encouraged others and participated in associations and community events and exhibitions that allowed others to learn and develop.

Three views of Clock 209. Photos: Ian Hill

Will’s clocks were masterpieces of creative precision and represented a purpose that he devoted himself to. In his words: ‘In the past, clocks were more than utilitarian objects for telling the time that we use them for today. They represented an ordered universe in an otherwise chaotic world. It is to these aims that I will direct my efforts. As to how far I get, well, only time will tell.’ In the scheme of things, his time was extremely well spent.

Will Matthysen will be missed by many, many people. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Marjan, his sons, family and friends at this very sad time.

Linda Nathan, Australian Wood Review

If you would like to comment or share a remembrance of Will Matthysen, please feel free to do so below or on our social pages.

* Will Matthysen's funeral will take place at St Gerards Catholic Church, Warrandyte, 9 January, 2pm.