It’s just over two months until the Stanthorpe Eco Expo returns for its fifth year, and amongst all the eco-friendly market stalls and displays, there will be a blacksmithing demonstration by our local smith, Adrian Hobba.
Adrian was apprenticed in boilermaking in the 1950s; but then became a self-taught blacksmith in 1970s. Based in Greenlands, he is one of the three men who instigated the revival of blacksmithing in South East Queensland.
This millenia-old skill uses the power of fire to bend and forge metals. In ancient villages, tools, armory, weapons, cutlery, gates and chains were most commonly made and repaired by the local blacksmith.
Adrian is deeply committed to repairing good Australian- and English-made tools and implements of agriculture and loves talking about this traditional art.
He has been seen between Adelaide and Cairns demonstrating tool-fixing and tool-making techniques using charcoal-fired forges at fairs and festivals in a little red canvas and steel Smithy. Since his retirement, Adrian divides his time with some dabbling in the arts, with several exhibitions, but is more interested in repair and manufacture of useful things, using his skills.
At the Stanthorpe Eco Expo on Saturday 7 September, Adrian will be delighted to work on contributed jobs, including garden tools, replacing handles, and sharpening and using heat treatment in the forge. There will also be handmade tools for sale.
So bring your tools along to our original venue of the Whistlestop Heritage and Community Garden and stay for a chat with Adrian while he works over the forge.
