Michael Retter’s best-known public work adorns substantial areas of Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra. His persistence over a two-year period prior to the building’s completion secured what was officially called “a commission to fabricate marquetry to the design of the chosen designer.” The commission was completed following the original designs of Adelaide artist Tony Bishop.
The first commission was for the making of 56 monochromatic freize panels for the Cabinet anti-room. A second commission was for a ceiling marquetry for the Cabinet Room itself. And a third commission was for 20 panels depicting Australian flora for the main entrance foyer of Parliament House.
Michael's work also appears on the Speaker's Chair in the House of Representatives and on a lectern depicting Australia's Coat of Arms.