MORNINGTON artist Perry Fletcher is holding an art auction on 11 July, with a portion of the proceeds going to Vermont Football Club.
The auction will be held at Vermont Reserve Clubrooms on Terrara Rd from 12pm to 5pm, with anyone welcome to attend free of charge.
Fletcher is fondly known as “Fletcher the Etcher” due to his world-class engraving skills. He has commissioned trophies for the Australian Open, Collingwood Football Club, and the Olympics.
The auction is a celebration of Fletcher’s 80th birthday and his 65th year dedicated to grassroots football.
“I’ve spent decades capturing the beauty of the world on canvas and glass,” said Fletcher.
“Turning 80 just felt like the perfect time to clear out the studio, share these pieces with the community, and give back to the football club that has given me so much joy for 65 years.”
Fletcher began engraving when he was 17 and now at 80, he continues to wake up every morning to engrave.
“I love it,” said Fletcher.
“It’s my vocation and I love to wake up in the morning and engrave beautiful crests.”
Fletcher is also an accomplished painter, with his portfolio including landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, and interpretations of Impressionists such as Van Gogh and Monet.
His private collection will be available at the “80 Years Young” auction, with 40% of the proceeds going to Vermont FC.
Fletcher first became involved with Vermont FC when his family moved to Mitcham when he was 14.
“[The club] means the world, because it’s been like a family,” said Fletcher.
He said when he returned from Vietnam after the war, playing football and winning a premiership felt like a form of therapy.
Fletcher decided to move to Mornington from Prahan 25 years ago.
“To have a better life,” he said.
“I thought I better start a life because it was so crazy in Prahan, but having said that, I still followed Vermont to go back to most games each week.”
Over 50 of Fletcher’s original paintings will be available at the auction. More information about Fletcher and his artwork can be found at www.perryfletcherau.com.
First published in the Mornington News – 30 June 2026
