Collections on display at St Arnaud
Joy Bryce’s assortment of brass ornaments will be among a variety of features at a Collections Exhibition at St Arnaud Railway Station public gallery starting from 2pm on Saturday.
Ms Bryce’s fascination for brass began as a young girl when watching her mother polish silverware and brass items at their home.
She began collecting brass ornaments to honor her mother’s memory and also for the thrill of searching for rare finds at swap meets.
Her pastime has since rubbed off on some of her friends and family, who also began fossicking for brass objects.
Ms Bryce said one of the advantages of being a collector was that no-one ever wondered what to give as a gift.
“I love them, especially the ones that have been given to me, they represent so much kindness and each one has their own unique story,” she said.
The exhibition is open to the public from 11am to 4pm until August 3.
During the Saturday opening, a display of vintage and classic cars from North Central Car Club will surround the 1878 heritage-listed railway building – casting scenes reminiscent of the station at an earlier time when it was the transfer hub of the town.
A collection of saddlery tools and buckles brought from England by Robert John Sloane, whom established a saddlery business in St Arnaud in 1871, will also feature among the historical collections on display in the main gallery.
Other items include hand-plaited stock whips created by leather craftsman David Hines, restored pedal cars, dolls, antique lace, barometers and many other exotic, unusual, retro and curious treasurers belonging to private collectors in St Arnaud.