Rare trades in the spotlight

THE satisfaction from making something from scratch sustained many during the COVID pandemic.

For those who found a passion for making, the Craft Lab + Design Expo will only ignite that interest for creating further.

Part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival, the Craft Lab + Design Expo brings together practices passed down through generations.

From the fine practice of loom weaving, complex embroidery, natural dyeing, shoe making and leatherwork, to the art of furniture making and musical instrument crafting.

The inaugural event is all about celebrating rare trades, some that have almost been lost over time.

Visitors will walk through a curated exhibition of exemplary works and experience live demonstrations of their artisan crafts.

They will also be able to buy unique pieces straight from the makers.

“Ballarat is a rich heritage city where the stories of our people are captured through the crafts we practice,” said Tara Poole from Creative Ballarat.

“The expo where heritage trades, rare skills and contemporary practice combine, will be held over two weekends. Inspired by the UNESCO Creative City of Craft & Folk Arts program, visitors will experience highly skilled practitioners trace their heritage through their love language of craft.”

Those intrigued with fashion, style and the construction of historical costume will love a series of garment-making demonstrations by Sovereign Hill.

The living museum is nothing without its costumes, with the intricately designed pieces worn by the Sovereign Hill staff and volunteers adding that extra touch of nostalgia, filling all who visit with wonder and transporting us back in time.

The costumes tell stories about the history of clothing dyes, innovations in sewing techniques and machines, and developments in the manufacturing of textiles, as well as showcasing the wears of former times.

Sovereign Hill will be hosting demonstrations on historical dressmaking and embellishment techniques, as well as the work done on the redcoat solider uniform replicas.

Check out the Craft Lab and Design Expo

Ballarat Mining Exchange, 12-16 Lydiard Street North

Cost – FREE

15 and 16 May & 22 and 23 May – 10am – 5pm

Bookings essential at creativeballarat.com.au/art-of-making. Three ticketed sessions per day, 10am-12pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm.

For more information on the Ballarat Heritage Festival visit ballaratheritagefestival.com.au

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