The National Trust Traditional Trades Expo is an annual knowledge sharing forum that brings practitioners together to share experiences, successes, and failures, and stimulates discussion around conservation philosophy and processes.
Set against the backdrop of Labassa Mansion, the expo will showcase displays and demonstrations by some of Victoria’s finest traditional trade practitioners and offers a unique opportunity to engage their knowledge and experience, and get hands on yourself.
Attendees can learn about good custodianship of heritage properties, explore career opportunities, and gain an understanding of the skills and methods used by practitioners.
The event will feature displays and demonstrations – including some from National Trust conservation projects – on a range of traditional trades including:
- Stonemasonry
- Roofing and plumbing
- Carpentry
- Painting and decorating
- Tuckpointing
- Lime Mortars
- Solid Plastering
- Glass painting, lead lighting and pavement lights
Attendees can browse hand tools for sale from the Hand Tool Preservation Association of Australia, gain insights from experts during daily panel discussions at 1 pm, and take an architectural tour around Labassa.
Traditional Trades for All Ages
Don’t let the adults have all the fun! Kids and families are invited to dive into hands-on activities at the Traditional Trades Expo, including ‘Kids Can Carve’ stonemasonry sessions with the skilled team from Cathedral Stone. All ages can also try plaster making with heritage plasterer Ray Wiltshire, where you can pour and create a mould of your initials—a unique keepsake to take home!
The Traditional Trades Exposition is presented by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and supported by the Heritage Council Victoria.
