THE SADDLERY.
This display contains items which would be made by a saddler or harness maker. These skilled tradesmen made the equipment and accessories worn by domesticated and working horses.Before the use of cars became widespread, horses were used for transporting people and goods across the country. This was known as the carriers business and it provided a vital means of communication for many villages. Stagecoach routes were spread across the county, but not all communities were served. The carrier provided a cheap method of reaching staging posts and linked remote rural villages. The carrier transported a huge variety of loads, as well as people.
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THE BLACKSMITH.
This display depicts a typical forge; the workplace of the village blacksmith. Rural communities depended on horses and farming and always needed the blacksmith`s skill for shoeing horses and repairing iron tools. The basic work of the blacksmith was to mould or `forge` iron by heating it and hammering it into shape. The temperature of the hearth could be raised with air from the bellows, which you can see in the back right hand corner of the picture. The blacksmith would use tongs to carry hot iron to the anvil. There he would be able to produce the desired shape by beating it with a hammer.
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VICTORIAN SCHOOL.
I know this has nothing to do with workshops but it does not fit in any other category. But well, never mind.
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I have met folks who made saddles and other leather pieces and their skill and patience is amazing. And, to do it with only hand tools would add even more skill. You know the old time blacksmith shops were hot places to work. Without the aid of big fans stirring the air and drawing the heat out of the shop would make it a highly uncomfortable place to work. But, their abilities were something else. Just imagine in that heat beating the iron and other metals to shape by hand. The school fits well into this area, in my opinion. Why not? Sure can't put it in with the stores! Neat desks. Wish I had one. Good stuff, Les!
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