Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades

Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades Rare Trades Centre is a place to learn & preserve Australia’s rare trades through workshops

Step back in time with legendary Armourer Sam Bloomfield and learn the art of sand casting and leatherworking in this fu...
08/09/2026

Step back in time with legendary Armourer Sam Bloomfield and learn the art of sand casting and leatherworking in this full-day hands-on workshop.

Inspired by the pre-Roman Jastorf culture, you’ll create your very own cast bronze belt hook, then put your leatherworking skills to the test as you craft a belt to pair with it.

Spaces are filling up fast so jump online and book today!

https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/introduction-to-bronze-sand-casting-leatherwork/?utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=sked_6a97af30636c40b105896d73

Craft your own piece of Australian history! Join us for a 4-day Jimmy Possum Chair Workshop, where you’ll step behind th...
04/09/2026

Craft your own piece of Australian history! Join us for a 4-day Jimmy Possum Chair Workshop, where you’ll step behind the scenes to explore historic examples from the Gold Rush Collections before getting hands-on with traditional materials, hand tools and techniques.

🔨 4 days of hands-on learning
🪵 Traditional materials, tools and techniques
👀 Exclusive access to historic chair examples
👥 Small group of just 6 participants
🪑 Your own handcrafted chair to take home

Discover the story, master the skills and create a piece of Australian craftsmanship for yourself.
Places are limited, book your spot today!

https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/learn-to-make-a-jimmy-possum-style-chair-2/?utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=sked_6a97a8fe0aebae09f146be82

Ever wanted to try your hand at blacksmithing but don’t want to commit to setting up your own forge? Why not give our In...
03/09/2026

Ever wanted to try your hand at blacksmithing but don’t want to commit to setting up your own forge? Why not give our Introduction to Blacksmithing workshop a go!

Under the expert guidance of Blacksmith David Graham , you’ll learn the fundamentals of this traditional craft and put your new skills to the test as you forge your very own coal rake and hanging hook

Ready to get forging? Book your workshop today!

https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/introductory-blacksmithing-coal-rake-hook/?utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=sked_6a9672694d71fc4353a32967

Calling all costume makers and cosplayers!The corset is a staple for many fantasy, cosplay and custom clothing creations...
02/09/2026

Calling all costume makers and cosplayers!

The corset is a staple for many fantasy, cosplay and custom clothing creations, but getting the fit and construction just right can be a little tricky. That’s where Catherine from Crystal Pegasus Costumes comes in!

In this 3 day workshop starting on October 30th, Catherine will guide you through the ins and outs of corset construction, helping you build the skills and confidence to create your own custom pieces.

This workshop is not suited to beginner seamstresses, but if you’re comfortable making simple sewing projects and ready to take your skills to the next level, this one might be for you! Visit our website to find out more


https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/sew-your-own-underbust-corset/?utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=sked_6a7bcf317fdea69063f6e270

31/08/2026

As August comes to a close, we’re looking back on an incredible month of traditional skills and hands-on learning at the Rare Trades Centre!

From armour smithing and tapestry weaving to the art of bookbinding, it’s been wonderful to see these unique crafts brought to life and shared with our workshop participants.

Our September workshops are booking out fast, head to our website today to explore what’s coming up and secure your spot!

31/08/2026

As August comes to a close, we’re looking back on an incredible month of traditional skills and hands-on learning at the Rare Trades Centre!

From armour smithing and tapestry weaving to the art of bookbinding, it’s been wonderful to see these unique crafts brought to life and shared with our workshop participants.

Our September workshops are booking out fast, head to our website today to explore what’s coming up and secure your spot!

https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/?utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=sked_6a95220bccb4e2eec3a20f32

Tim Gresham is a nationally recognised textile artist and photographer, working in these disciplines for over 30 years. ...
29/08/2026

Tim Gresham is a nationally recognised textile artist and photographer, working in these disciplines for over 30 years. His exhibition work reflects the dialogue between captured image and abstracted form, with a focus on rhythmical pattern and colour inspired by nature

Tim’s woven tapestries have been exhibited in the Tamworth Textile Triennial, Ararat Gallery, National Gallery of Victoria, Craft Victoria and Craft ACT, and are included in numerous private and public collections including with the City of Darebin, LaTrobe University Art Museum and Wangaratta Art Gallery.

Tim has been affiliated with the Australian Tapestry Workshop since the late 1980’s and is now Senior Weaver amongst the artisans creating the Workshop’s signature large-scale commissions as well as tutor in the ATW Begin To Weave and advanced classes.

Tim Gresham has also delivered introductory and intermediate tapestry weaving workshops with the Rare Trades Centre since 2024.

Discover the ancient art of stone carving with letter carver and calligrapher Greg Hanlon in this immersive two-day work...
28/08/2026

Discover the ancient art of stone carving with letter carver and calligrapher Greg Hanlon in this immersive two-day workshop.

Using traditional hand tools like a hammer and chisels, you’ll learn how to write into hard stone, beginning with the three fundamental techniques of stone carving.

At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with something truly special: your own original design, forever carved in stone.



https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/introduction-to-hand-carved-letters-in-stone-2

Astrid Lempriere is a visual artist specialising in relief printmaking, using linocut to produce works on paper. She ski...
27/08/2026

Astrid Lempriere is a visual artist specialising in relief printmaking, using linocut to produce works on paper. She skilfully carves each of her lino blocks by hand, celebrating the monochrome and concentrating on capturing human expression and emotion through portraiture.

Astrid took up lino printing after exploring a range of visual art techniques, revelling in how stripping an image to black and white brings its form and contours to life. Her work has been recognised through exhibitions, awards and publications. Passionate about sharing the process that has captured her energies, Astrid began offering workshops in 2022, and from 2024 has regularly taught at the Rare Trades Centre.

Visit the Rare Trade Centre now until September 6th to view these amazing artworks in person!

26/08/2026

There’s nothing quite like learning a traditional craft with your own two hands.
Some recent classes at the Rare Trades Centre have been all about getting stuck into the making process from crafting a leather pouch to mastering the art of steel book binding.

There are so many new and exciting classes coming up in September, check out the website now for more details!

Address

Bradshaw Street
Ballarat, VIC
3350

Telephone

+61353371100

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades:

Shortcuts

Share

Category