Michael Meszaros 1974 Uniface Bronze Medal (185mm) Apple Picking

Michael Meszaros (born 1945) is one of Australia’s most accomplished sculptors and medalists, continuing the legacy of his father, Andor Meszaros. Growing up in a household where the living room doubled as a studio, Michael began designing medals as a teenager and received his first commission at just 13. In 1969, he studied medal-making at the prestigious La Scuola dell'Arte della Medaglia in Rome before returning to Melbourne to work full-time from the Kew studio built by his father.

Michael’s works span large-scale public sculptures — such as the John Pascoe Fawkner statue and Sam the Koala memorial — to intimate and expressive medals. He is best known for designing the 1988 Bicentenary School Medal, of which 3.2 million were issued, making it the second-largest commemorative medal issue globally. Through personal and commissioned works, Michael has helped redefine Australian medallic art, blending tradition with modern storytelling, symbolism, and social themes.

Uniface medal in bronze mounted on timber board.