Rare trades centre open for all

DOORS at the Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades will open up to the public this month as part of a free community event.

Run by Sovereign Hill staff, the centre is aimed at bringing attention to the jobs and crafts of the past such as silversmithing, woodworking, weaving and basketry, metalworking, locksmithing, and dyeing approaches.

As part of the open day workshops on the lost trades will delivered by a rotation of artisans and makers from across Australia, with seven dedicated studios as well as a theatrette for panel discussions.

The event will take place on Saturday 18 November and coincides with the launch of the centre which occurred one year ago that same day and marked the first instance of public access into the site.

Attendees will be able to see the workshops taking place as well as chat to staff for more information on the centre.

Formerly Sovereign Hill’s Gold Museum building, the centre was announced in 2020 and created following a $3.7 million redevelopment of the space.

The open day will run from 2pm to 5pm.