Old tool exhibition in Kendal?

[DuncanA]

First of all apologies if this is the wrong place for this sort of question but I thought it might be the type of thing that would be on the radar of fellow hand tool enthusiasts.

A friend of mine was recently in Kendal where a friend told her about an exhibition being set up with a load of old tools, and various experts were going to be called in in an effort to try and identify some of them. She mentioned it to me thinking, rightly, that it would be right up my street - the only difficulty is she doesn't know what the exhibition is called. I've had a bit of a Google and can't find a mention of anything that sounds likely but I am going to be in that part of the world shortly and wouldn't want to miss the chance of ogling some old tools.

Does this description ring a bell for anyone, have any of our on site specialist recently received any invitations to the Lake District? It's not much to go on, I know, and I am wondering if there's maybe an element of Chinese whispers and the exhibition isn't at all what we think it is.

Very best,

 

[AndyT]

I wonder if it's this project?
The text below is a press release I saw in February but it's always possible that it all took a bit longer.

I am Sarah Thomas - project co-ordinator for a project called Walter's Tools. I am emailing both of you as a) your members may well be interested in the project and b) we have a call for volunteers which it would be fantastic to have placed in your newsletter should you be happy to include it.

Walter's Tools is a Heritage Lottery funded project to catalogue and restore an old man's incredible collection of rare, unusual and useful hand tools relating to rural skills such as coppicing, coopering, scything, charcoal making, tanning etc. into a hand tool library of approx 100 tools that will become free to use by the public, and stored at Stott Park Bobbin Mill (an English Heritage museum by Lake Windermere) by 2015. Some of the tools just need sharpening, others need more attention eg re-handling etc.

This project provides an opportunity to collaborate with a heritage project, acquire knowledge from an expert that can help us live a more sustainable future, and to use old and new skills in a different (and very beautiful) setting. I would be delighted to hear what you think. Below is some precise info on our needs, and the text for the call for volunteers.

I shall also attach the press release and a couple of photos. I can send higher resolution photos should you need them.


We need:

WHAT: up to 10 volunteers to help identify, catalogue and restore a collection of hand tools

WHERE: The tools are currently in a barn in a field near Staveley-in-Cartmel South Cumbria, and it is intended that the process happens on site. There is a bus stop nearby with regular services from Kendal/ Oxenholme (on the West Coast mainline), and several people are coming from Kendal so lifts could be provided.

WHEN: March to May 10 work days 11-pm 4ish with a break for lunch (obviously no one volunteer would be expected to do all 10 but a level of commitment would be useful so we don't have to keep explaining from scratch.)

WHY: To work together with a cross section of people in beautiful (semi outdoor) surroundings to help achieve the aims of a heritage project, and to capture the intimate knowledge of these tools and trades from their owner, Walter Lloyd (89) before he dies, to preserve it for future generations.

WHO: The project is run by The Woodmanship Trust, a greenwood skills charity, aided by a small grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund's 'Sharing Heritage' scheme.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards

Sarah Thomas

Walter's Tools project co-ordinator
07453 858505

 

[Mr_P]

I've found Walter and he's a dedicated follower of fashion. Not many people could pull off this combination of cravat, jumper and bill hook.

http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/ ... bbin_Mill/

He looks very healthy for a 89 year old.

Volunteers and the tools are free so what's the £10k for ????

 

[AndyT]

Volunteers and the tools are free so what's the £10k for ????

I'd guess it would be needed for things like display boards, labeling, lighting and maybe for preparing the space into which the tools will go .

The Bobbin mill now looks like an even more worthwhile day out when I next venture oop North!

 

[DuncanA]

Thanks for the info chaps, that sounds like it'll be what my friend heard about.

A bit of a search looks like I've maybe missed the bulk of the project, but I may try my luck and make some enquiries to see if there's anything I could see or do whilst I'm in the area. If nothing else the bobbin mill looks like a good day out even without Walter's Tools!

 

[bugbear]

Volunteers and the tools are free so what's the £10k for ????

I'd guess it would be needed for things like display boards, labeling, lighting and maybe for preparing the space into which the tools will go .

Corro-dip isn't cheap!

BugBear