Blacksmiths & Traditional Crafts

A closer look at the skills and traditions that powered Redland’s earliest communities.

Blacksmith’s Hut

The Blacksmith’s Hut at Redlands Coast Museum is a restored 1880s split slab hut from Mt Cotton, originally home to the Holzapfel brothers. In 1972, it was dismantled and rebuilt at the museum, where it remains in active use.

Note: Closed from Sun 14th Dec 2025 – Fri 23rd Jan 2026

Every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, museum blacksmiths fire up the forge, demonstrating 19th-century techniques using traditional anvils, hammers, and tools. Visitors can watch as metal is heated, hammered, and shaped into intricate tools, homewares, and decorative pieces.

Blacksmiths create functional and decorative works, including poppies, planters, side tables, and other household items, available for viewing and purchase.

Explore Traditional Crafts

Watch in fascination as the Blacksmiths demonstrate a live craft of yesteryear.

Made by our Blacksmiths and finished in our workshop, these hand-crafted souvenirs of the Museum are to be treasured.

View other unique items handcrafted by our Blacksmiths, including Bells, trinkets, jewelry and more.

Watch craftsmen carve, shape, and assemble wooden artifacts, keeping this timeless trade alive.

First-hand Experience

For those who are interested in this incredible craft, the museum offers open sessions every Saturday where visitors can engage directly with traditional craftsmanship.

Join a hands-on blacksmithing session or try a weaving, pottery, or woodworking workshop. Our expert artisans guide participants through each step, ensuring an immersive and educational experience.