Industrial Craft in Australia: Oral Histories of Creativity and Survival

This book explores the ongoing significance of industrial craft in deindustrializing places like Australia, introducing the trade of engineering patternmaking and highlighting the experiences of craftspeople as they navigate precarious employment, retraining, and technological change. It argues that digital fabrication technologies should not obliterate industrial craft, as it is about human creativity, material knowledge, and meaningful work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 06 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This groundbreaking book delves into the enduring relevance of industrial craft in deindustrializing regions like Australia, offering a fresh perspective that challenges the nostalgic notion of the redundant factory 'craftsman. By introducing the captivating and lesser-known trade of engineering patternmaking, where handcrafted originals are essential for mass production, the book presents a unique alternative to the traditional narrative. Through the rich narratives collected through oral histories, the book sheds light on the experiences of industrial craftspeople in Australian manufacturing, exploring their challenges, opportunities, and the profound impact of technological change on their livelihoods.

The book argues that digital fabrication technologies hold the potential to modify or transform industrial craft, yet they should not erase its essence. Industrial craft encompasses much more than the mere production of everyday objects; it is a testament to human creativity, material knowledge, and meaningful work. It holds immense significance in ensuring our survival in the uncertain times ahead.

This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the evolving landscape of industrial craft and its potential for shaping the future. By highlighting the stories of these skilled artisans and their contributions to manufacturing, it underscores the importance of preserving and nurturing this rich heritage for generations to come.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030872458
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021