Remembering a master craftsman

Barry Lee

Liturgical artist Alan Thomas Gelston (1929-1964) died of a massive heart attack well before his time.

He was survived by his wife Carmelita, and seven children, the youngest son being only six months old.

Alan was the youngest son of William and Ivy Gelston of Westbury, where he was born, and his early school days were spent at the local Convent School where he excelled at sport, music, and art.

Transport to secondary school was by steam train leaving Westbury station at seven o’clock sharp each weekday bound for Launceston, via Western Junction, arriving at Launceston Technical College at about 9am.

Alan’s scholastic record was outstanding, and he was awarded the “Dux” of the College. He studied at the School of Art in Hobart under the noted war artist Jack Carington Smith. After completing his education, he was appointed teacher of Art at Hobart Technical College.

During his truly short but busy life Alan was a prolific artist, creating wood carvings, bronze statues, and landscapes. To supplement his income several commissions were carried out, being engaged by both Tasmanian and Mainland government agencies. 

Gelston’s reputation is based on his liturgical works, however the existing Coat of Arms at Parliament House, Hobart, carved in the 1960s, is one of his finest public achievements. By co-incidence, Nellie Payne, also of Westbury, had also carved an earlier Coat of Arms in the 1930s.

As a five-year-old I can clearly remember, sitting on an old apple case at the foot of the Western Tiers, he would kindly reward me with two shillings.  

What great proud memories of a wonderful Uncle.