On Saturday I spent a day at the Lost Trades Fair, with a friend. The Lost Trades Fair is held at Kyneton, one hour train ride from Melbourne. (Their facebook page has lots of interviews and features). The Lost Trades Fair supports “rare, forgotten and traditional trades and crafts and those that practise them”. We watched a  Blacksmith, Chairmaker ,Cobber ,Cooper, Fletcher, Foundryman,  Penny Farthing Maker, Plane Maker, PInstriper, Plasterer,  Rocking Horse Maker,   Wood Worker to name few . 

I have split this into two blogposts as there is so much to tell!

I did 12 sketches – most quick, a few with colour added, either on the spot or on the train on the way home. The big event of the day turned out to be Cooper, where we (and a large crowd) watched as George the Cooper handcrafted a wooden bucket for my friend. It took over an a hour as he explained the process.

The Cooper working an a large barrel (left) and making the bucket (right)

the Cooper was great to sketch – often returning to the same position to work on the wooden bucket. The bucket is made from kauri and looks like it will last forever!
He was also a very entertaining character!

Coopers tools

the crowd watching the Cooper

The fair had over  60 stall of traditional trades, rare crafts and forgotten arts. We got to meet these talented makers that practise these trades. Read my next blog to see more ….