The popular Lost Trades Fair returns to Cobb+Co Museum in Toowoomba on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 October 2018, showcasing master artisans demonstrating and sharing their skills and talent in more than 50 heritage trades.

An amazing variety of artisans will be on display including a sixth generation cooper (barrels maker) plus stonemasons, weavers, blacksmiths, leather plaiters, penny farthing makers, spoon carvers, bookbinder, saddler, toy maker and master craftspeople who have been practising these trades their whole life.

Acting CEO of the Queensland Museum Network, Dr Jim Thompson said the Lost Trades Fair gives visitors the rare opportunity to see a wide variety of traditional trades being practised up close and to speak with the tradesperson.

“Cobb+Co Museum, with its own trades workshops, is the perfect place to shine a spotlight both on the trades that are usually practiced behind closed workshops doors, and the amazing dedication, passion and willingness of these craftspeople to pass on their skills,” Dr Thompson said.

Dr Thompson said the Lost Trades Fair was a unique opportunity to find out more about Queensland’s past. “Visitors will get an authentic experience as they learn first-hand about historic crafts and trades that were once commonplace, and which contributed greatly to Australia’s development as a country,”

“The Lost Trades Fair demonstrates the superb craftsmanship still practiced today in many of these trades,” Dr Thompson said.

Founder and Director of the Lost Trades Fair, Ms Lisa Rundell said it was exciting to bring the event back to Toowoomba after such an amazing response to the first event at Cobb+Co Museum in 2017. “Last year, more than 7,000 people visited The Lost Trades Fair at Cobb+Co Museum and we hope to continue
that success this year,” Ms Rundell said.

“Our aim is to inspire, educate and open the eyes and minds of the next generation to demand something made by a real person rather than a machine and to think about sustainability and the longevity of what they buy and use. With so many master artisans in the one place over the weekend we want to encourage people to have the confidence to design, make and create something real, and something crafted by their own hands.”

For visitors inspired to try their hand at a heritage trade, the Cobb+Co Museum’s Hands on Workshops program offers a range of opportunities throughout the year from Blacksmithing Basics, Blacksmithing for Teens, Candlestick Workshop, Leather Plaiting, Wheelwrighting and Pot Hanger workshops.

Lost Trades Fair is on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 October from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are available online for a discount price of Adults $15 ($18 at the gate), Senior card holders $12 ($15 at the gate) and Children 5 to 15 years $5. Children under 5 years are free.

Visit www.cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au for more information.

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