My Lover My Friend My Wife My Partner My Critic

Ian Mowbray

Vicki Torr died on the 22nd August 1992 after a long illness. Words can't express the magnitude of the loss, but somehow the attempt is important. Vicki was a very special human being. A quiet, unassuming and gentle person who cared about others and the world around her. She will be remembered as a giver who, by her very nature, made other people's lives easier. If there is any solace to be gained from the tragedy , it is that Vicky's unique work will live on as a major contribution to the visual arts. The touch of class she brought to her chosen profession has left an indelible impression on the history of Australian glass. Her sense of beauty and her determination to push the limits are legacies worthy of emulation. We have lost one of the very best. To lan, Vicki's family and friends; you have our deepest sympathy and yes, we do know how precious she was.

Graham Stone

I first met Vicki in 1985, when both she and Ian were tenants in the old Jam Factory building in Adelaide. Her quiet, warm personality was apparent from that first meeting and during the following years I found that her sympathetic understanding and knowledge were of great value in giving encouragement and support when times were difficult. Her integrity is reflected in her work and her death is a loss to us all both at a personal and professional level. It was typical of her that during her illness she wished to continue her life as usual. I consider it a privilege to have been counted as one of her many friends and to have spent an evening with her family and friends just before she entered hospital in Melbourne. Her sense of humour, warmth and dignity made the evening a happy memory for those of us fortunate enough to be there. It was Vicki's wish that her final farewell be a quiet affair with just a few friends present. In that, we may have disappointed her because a great many people turned up to say farewell. Everyone present felt that they were a close friend; such was the character of Vicki. To those interstate, who were deprived of the opportunity to attend, I can say that those present felt they were representing you all. J hope that this is some small consolation. Perhaps the loss of Vicki Torr has brought us all closer together and may help us to achieve some of her qualities of character. To Ian we can only give what support we can, and share with him the loss of a wonderful lady.

Peter Tysoe

Vicki Torr was an extraordinary artist, colleague and friend. Her presence and her work will be greatly missed. She was a dedicated glass artist who, by meticulous research and persistent effort, developed a high level of technical skill and knowledge. Underlying all her work was a creativity and sense of design all her own. Vicki's nature was open and generous. Her willingness to share information and ideas, to help anyone who asked, has left us a much greater legacy than just "objet d'art". She remains an inspiration. Her early work combined glass, clay and other media. Those impossibly fragile stringer creations that followed led to a series of fans, delightful and decorative, developing with skill and artistry into great designs based on functional forms. Each was different yet embodied the same spirit of their creator. Her latest pieces are a marvel of glass fusion and are well described by her friend Dennis Pybus: "The classical balance of her large conical bowls shows a respect for tradition, yet their recalcitrant edge indicates an independent and adventurous creativity. The subtle female receptiveness of these forms and their moody interweave of colour speak of a great human sensitivity in their maker."

Declan Somerville

How can life be so cruel as to snatch untimely away an artist so cherished as Vicki Torr. Old fashioned and sentimental a statement it may be but who amongst us who knew Vicki can deny feeling a large empty space, a poignant loss, the shock of her death. Vicki brought a breath of vitality and a clear note of honesty to her skill. Her deftness in glass working is almost unparalleled in her chosen technique. Her fragile beauty sometimes breathtaking. I am sure all who dealt with Vicki Torr at any level could not but be impressed by the disarming graciousness of her character. She will be sorely missed by many.

Jeff Hamilton 28 September 1992