Derwent Valley School of Woodwork

Situation

• • The Derwent Valley School of Creative Woodwork is a privately owned school. It is situated in a 19th-century hop kiln at New Norfolk, 30 minutes from Hobart in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley, Australia.
  • The school is located in an idyllic setting. It is situated in Tynwald Park on the banks of the Derwent River. Classes are held on the drying floors of the Oast House.
  • The Oast House is an iconic building. It operated as a hop kiln for over 100 years and has been a tourism landmark since 1971. It featured on the television series “Getaway” in 2008.

History

• • The school was established by Chris Bush and his wife Kaye in 2015. The idea is to establish intensive short courses in creative woodwork. This would provide an educational facility that added to the health and well- being of all participants and connects the human, physical and natural resources of the region.
  • Forestry, agriculture, pastoralists, manufacturing, power generation and tourism have been significant economic drivers in the region during the 20th century. The Derwent Valley has been a source of the biggest flowering hardwoods in the world (eucalyptus regnans) and the native minor species are revered internationally for their decorative and functional properties.
  • Local native timbers and introduced species currently available to participants in courses include Blackwood, Myrtle, Celery Top Pine, Sassafras, Huon pine, Tasmanian Oak, Macrocarpa Pine, Silver Birch, Poplar, and English Elm.
  • The Derwent Valley has a proud history of logging, sawmilling, timber production, veneering and paper manufacturing. The provision and facilitation of a school of creative woodwork form a vital “incubator of ideas”, knowledge and skills for the region in the 21st century.

Course Objectives

Participants can choose from a course selection of over 20 different projects. We strive to provide a unique, personal woodworking experience, which combines excellent demonstrations, beautiful materials and contemporary technology.

Each participant has a personalised space that includes:

• • Handmade, bespoke woodworking bench with tail vice and leg vice
  • Hand made tool cabinet with an essential selection of marking and setting out tools
  • Materials and consumables for the class project.
  • Credenza to accommodate personal items.
  • Excellent lighting.
  • The DVSCW personalised apron.
  • Morning and afternoon tea.
  • Lunch provided.
  • Free access to the hop museum, gardens and gallery.
  • A wonderful selection of boutique beers for those who wish to purchase.