Historical information

Phil BERRY (1963 - )
Born Ballarat

Completing a Master of Arts at the University of Ballarat (now Federation) in 2012, he workes as a sessional staff member for the Arts Academy.

Artist Phil Berry recalled ‘As a child I spent the majority of my holidays at my uncle and auntie’s. Uncle Jack was a prisoner of War at Changi during World War 2. Repatriated to Australia he was emaciated and clutched his prize possession, an old spoon. Part of his daily life during the extreme hardship of the camp, the spoon was a symbol of his survival, a constant in extreme uncertainty.’

‘Home again Jack married, started a family and embraced peace. A kind and gentle man, I was fortunate to have known him. The coming of peace had given back what war had nearly taken away.’


This item won the Lucato Peace Prize and is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.

Physical description

Framed painted canvas depicting a spoon.

Phil Berry studied at the University of Ballarat Arts Academy (later Federation University) and undertook sessional lecturing at the Arts Academy.