Bendigo to host Lost Trades Fair in March

From its very beginning, the Lost Trades Fair has created an opportunity for craftspeople from across the globe to share their stories and make their work available to a larger audience. Now in its tenth year this remains a key focus and the 2023 event in Bendigo showcases artist-makers from across Australia and abroad.

Discover materials, techniques and gather knowledge passed down through generations, from field-crafts, workshop trades, textiles, clay and stone, to wood, fibre, leather, metal, gold, glass. fine arts, building trades and decorative crafts; watch first nations crafts presented on Djaara country; all are present this year and serve as distinct cultural calling cards for each artisan.

The Lost Trades Fair is about sharing and demonstrating skills and techniques, passed down tricks of the trade and the results of fine practised craftsmanship. You will see demonstrations by wheelwrights, chairmakers, tinsmiths, coopers, makers of penny farthings, boots, felt hats, denim jeans and rocking horses. Meet toolmakers, leatherworkers, instrument makers, watch printmakers and stonemasons demonstrate alongside blacksmiths, silversmiths, spinners and candlemakers. Watch heavy horses at work, blacksmith strike teams, vintage machinery and live music all weekend. 

The level of craftsmanship at this event is world class – several international artisans will travel to Victoria to share their skills at this unique, locally grown event that has attracted world-wide attention.

Seth Gould, US master craftsman

Seth Gould will fly out from North Carolina, USA to share his skills as a maker exclusively at Lost Trades Bendigo. Take a few minutes and watch "Forged & Filed", Seth Gould took two years to make this extraordinary coffer which was purchased by the Smithsonian Institute.

The event takes place 11–12 March, 2023 at Bendigo Racecourse, Heinz Street, Ascot, Victoria, Djaara Country

More information at losttradesfair.com.au