'Hidden Treasure' at Hand Tool Preservation Assoc 40th celebration
Hidden Treasure is the theme of the Hand Tool Preservation Association of Australia’s 40th anniversary celebration which takes place in the form of an event at Brighton Town Hall, Melbourne on October 22, 2022.
The theme mirrors the Association’s aim to value traditional tools and skills and encourage others to do so. To this end it identifies, preserves, documents and exhibits hand tools, with special focus on Australian-made tools. The HTPAA produces a scholarly journal titled The Tool Chest along with The Sharp Edge, a newsletter that notes Association events and activities. Several members have written related books with specific and historical focuses. A keynote of the Association is the sharing of knowledge.
On Saturday October 22, the Caine Tool Collection will be exhibited alongside a program of artisanal lectures and live demonstrations that include a working Smithy and a tool market. And there will be food, coffee vans, entertainment and fun!
An ebony brace from The Caine Collection
Thomas Caine was a tradesman and wide-ranging collector, particularly of tools. The Caine Tool Collection comprises an extensive collection of quality tools that Thomas Caine left to the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) in 1968. This Collection remains in the ownership of the National Trust and is managed by the Caine Tool Committee, who are also members of the HTPAA. Cleaning and preservation tasks are ongoing activities.
While demonstrations will rotate throughout the day there is a fixed program of talks:
10 am: The Clockmaker (Charles Switzer) ‘The Art of the Clockmaker’
11 am: The Jeweller (Peter McBride) ‘Findings and Other Things’
12pm: The Cabinetmaker (Kenneth Neff) ‘Rare timbers…Marquetry, Veneers and Inlays’
1 pm: The Blacksmith (Bill Collins and Andy Jagger) ‘Tools of the Trade’
2 pm: The Cooper (Tony Adams) ‘The Ancient Trade and Tools of the Cooper’
3 pm: The Restorer (Vito Trifilo) ‘Restoring Quality Tools’
Fast Facts:
Event: Hidden Treasures 2022
When: Saturday 22nd October 2022, 9:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Brighton Town Hall, Cnr Carpenter & Wilson Streets Brighton Vic 3186
Tickets: Available at Eventbrite or at the door (adults $12, concession $10, children under 14 free).
HTPAA website