Sculptor loses $100,000 artworks, tools in blaze

Al Phemister’s much-loved shed is a blackened mess after a fire tore through it at about 3pm this afternoon.

The well-known local sculptor and chairman of YASSarts has lost work, tools and 15 years of collected treasures worth an estimated $100,000 from the property on Dutton Street, Yass.

The loss included two sculptures that were being prepared for shows next week. Their value alone was around $25,000 – $30,000, Mr Phemister told Scoop.

But perhaps the most devastating loss for the man who did a complete career change to become an artist about a decade ago, is the last 15 years of collected treasures, including beautiful one-off pieces of furniture that were waiting to be restored and the raw materials for future sculptures.

 Mr Phemister had been working in the shed this afternoon, but briefly left to attend a job in North Yass. Sara Phemister, also a renowned local artist, was also out at the time.

Mr Phemister was gone for just 22 minutes, but when he returned the shed was ablaze. A neighbour had already alerted Yass Fire Station.

Two fire trucks, ambulance and police attended. At the time of writing there are unsubstantiated reports that one fire fighter had been taken to Yass Hospital with smoke inhalation.