Did you know… that a ‘woodcarver’ actually made the rocking horse you may have had as a child?  It may sound believable, yes, but that person who skillfully handcrafted your favourite childhood toy (it was definitely my favourite; the home videos prove so) actually had a TRADE to complete this task.

Woodcarver.  Blacksmith.  Spinner.  Cobbler.  Saddler… Sound familiar? Well these and many more all have something in common. They're what are now known as ‘lost trades’.  Trades that use ancient, traditional methods and manual work to craft incredibly unique and significantly useful goods.  As technology advances, some of these rare trades are forgotten.  It’s easy enough for the makers to hold on to tradition and preserve their work, yet from a marketing perspective it can be hard to keep the significance of the work alive, relevant and in the minds of a broader audience.

The Lost Trades Fair first popped up in 2014, with the intention not only to maintain these special crafts, but also to promote them. To instill inspiration, ignite a flame in likeminded artisans with the hope of essentially offering prospective opportunities outside the fair itself. It showcases every trade from knife making to wicker weaving, each year growing in participation and crowd number. Last year, an expected 5000-crowd attendance was tripled, proving boldly these trades were far from lost.

Held in Kyneton, (just a little down the road from Bendigo) a small country town located in the Macedon Ranges.  Kyneton’s local racecourse is where all the magic happens. Over the course of the two-day event there is live music and entertainment, and local food to enjoy. It’s a great day to bring the family along and revisit history and traditions that were once the pillars to manufacturing our towns, cities and industries. 

This year, you’ll see SB Libris owner, Simon Dart as the event’s only bookbinder. It is the first occasion that SB Libris has taken part in such an event. Using traditional methods with age-old equipment, beautiful leather journals will be created in demonstration from beginning until embossed end. Books carefully sewn together with decorative paper from the likes of the UK, Japan and Italy. SB Libris will take you to the heart of their bindery and allow you to be a part of their daily craft, a trade Simon has honed over the last 15 years.

This event is truly one of the special ones, and we feel honored to be part of the excitement this year.  We’ll be sharing stories with other passionate craftsmen and women, getting our hands on the local cuisine, and hopefully inspiring you all with our work on the day.

See you next Sunday in the ranges!