By Callum Ludwig
The Blacksmith and Artisans Festival recently took place at the Mont De Lancey historic Homestead, wowing attendees.
About 1000 attendees visited over the weekend of 15 and 16 October to admire the wares and work of the skilled smiths.
Blacksmith Paul Cacioli said there were between 10-20 blacksmiths at work over the festival.
“We had a Viking reenactment who showed off the different crafts and trades during the era that they represent and we had combatting knights as well, who really went at each other hammer and tongs, it was quite spectacular,” he said.
“We were very fortunate with the weather, we weren’t swimming in floodwater and it all went well. During the two days, you could see smiths working with all their wares out for sale from candlestick holders to fireside sets to knives as well as other crafts.”
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in their own Historical Medieval Battles (HMB) with safe (soft) equipment: a sword, a shield and armour. A Pro HMB fight also took place with blunt steel weapons.
Mr Cacioli said people really enjoyed the diversity of what they could see.
“There was art, the Viking reenactment, the battling, the blacksmiths and among all that the stalls selling goods. It was a good mixture, and people always appreciate a free hot dog and coffee,” he said.
“A lot of people appreciate the fact that they are seeing a smith working because it’s not common and there is a lot of misconception of what you’re supposed to see, but they came to ask about the courses we run, what’s involved and when they can join in, which was really good.”
Mr Cacioli has been smithing for over 19 years, first beginning to learn after attending a market at Mont De Lancey and being urged by his wife to try it. He learnt from head blacksmith Oscar Huecherig for seven years and has taught and run classes with him for the last 12.
Mr Cacioli said he also is an active member of the Association of Sculptors of Victoria.
“I run the sculpture exhibition at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show so a lot of the smithing work that I do I try to make it sculptural, but I’m also into making Damascus knives and stuff like that,” he said.
“It’s a real pleasure doing artwork really and I get a sense of satisfaction when we’re teaching people and seeing them develop their skills.”
Mont De Lancey has a garden and Market Day on Saturday 29 October from 10am before their next festival, the Wandin Draft Horse and YesterYear Festival on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November, where the blacksmiths will again be active.
