Wominjeka! Hello!
At the Convent we welcome visitors from across the globe – both in-person and digitally. Please note, we use AI to bridge the language gap, so there may be some translation inconsistencies and missed linguistic nuances.
Friday 24 May
5.30pm – 8.30pm
Saturday 25 May
1.30pm – 4.30pm
Sunday 26 May
1.30pm – 4.30pm
Industrial School
$135 per session
$70 student concession
Friday 24 May
5.30pm – 8.30pm
Saturday 25 May
1.30pm – 4.30pm
Sunday 26 May
1.30pm – 4.30pm
Industrial School
$135 per session
$70 student concession
Through a series of workshops, Preserving the Past invites participants to delve into the world of furniture restoration amidst the incredible heritage of this iconic landmark.
Over three days, Edwin and Richard will offer five 3-hour workshops providing an in-depth insight into the methods, skills and practices employed in the restoration industry. You’ll learn a comprehensive approach to restoring and revitalising your mid-century furniture in a thorough, step by step process.
Whether you’re curious about the restoration process, looking to enhance your existing skills, or simply passionate about mid-century furniture — this event is for you. All skill levels, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts, are welcome.
Join us for a truly unique experience.
Edwin Fox
Edwin is a multidisciplinary skilled restorer and artisan, with a long history of education in Fine Art, and a First Class Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Communication. Edwin also has a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in traditional upholstery. More recently Edwin has channeled his skills and energy into the physical aspects of design, whereby his career has now evolved into the restoration of furniture.
Edwin currently runs a small independent business restoring and selling furniture and lighting here in Melbourne. His work is centred around the importance of sustainability, reducing waste while working with incredible items of our past.
Edwin has been involved with the NGV’s Melbourne Design Week for the past four years. He has collaborated previously with Eclectic Boogaloo Upholstery, the Robin Boyd Foundation and is an active partner with mid-century heritage group, Beaumaris Modern. Edwin wishes to further his pursuit in teaching a larger audience the importance of repair and reuse.
Richard Lloyd
Richard’s journey from a collector and enthusiast of mid-century furniture to a professional restorer showcases his passion for preserving and revitalising iconic pieces from the past. Based in Northcote, Melbourne, Richard’s commitment to eco-friendly restoration sets him apart in the industry.
With a focus on eliminating harmful chemicals from traditional restoration processes, Richard’s workshop offers exclusive eco-friendly refinishing services. His dedication to sustainability not only benefits the environment but also ensures a safer and healthier approach to furniture restoration.
Collaborating with various partners in the mid-century industry, Richard combines expertise and resources to achieve the best results for each project. His desire to make tired pieces functional and attractive again reflects his understanding of the historical and aesthetic significance of mid-century furniture.
The Industrial School is wheelchair accessible.