Travelling mace makes maiden voyage

The University of Adelaide prides itself on a number of traditions, including the use of the University mace at graduation ceremonies.

"The original mace has had a solid 80 years of use and quite a number of trips overseas. But the overseas graduations have proven detrimental to its condition, and its size and companion wooden box also became problems when travelling due to aircraft cabin luggage restrictions and customs requirements," said the Manager of the University's Art & Heritage Collections, Mirna Heruc.

"These considerations led the University to commission a new mace specifically for travelling overseas, to carry with it the spirit of the old mace."

The travelling mace was designed by Catherine Buddle of Buddle Design and hand crafted by silversmith Peter Coombs, both Adelaide-based artists. Catherine has strong links to the University through her early career as a laboratory technician in Zoology, and more recently as a graphic designer for both Art & Heritage Collections and Development & Alumni.

"Catherine's design embodies the contemporary vision of the University with its slick shape and sparkling finish," Ms Heruc said. "The travelling mace is made out of brushed silver with gold highlights depicting a stylised University crest and Southern Cross. It is lightweight and can be dismantled for ease of travel."

The travelling mace is also an art object and is the latest addition to the University's Visual Art Collection.

Its maiden trip last month has taken it to graduation ceremonies in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.