Traditional Cooper - George Smithwick - History and how to make a wooden bucket

George Smithwick is a sixth generation cooper who makes traditional wooden buckets and barrels. He is continuing a family tradition that began in the 18th century in Ireland.

George talks to us about what a Cooper is, some history of the trade, tools he uses, and the step-by-step process of making a wooden bucket.

Edward Washington and Jimmy Murray from the Sydney Living Museums' Programs team flew down to catch up with George to see if he could help with making us some new buckets and he was happy to show us how he worked; using tools, techniques and practises that have remained the same for hundreds of years.

George also let us into what was once a very tight-knit and sometimes secretive coopering industry – and we captured it all on camera.

[bretlong]

Not only a dying art, but this man is a historian. He has kept me enthralled from start to finish.!

[FilmMastersChannel]

May these skills never disappear into history.

[Rayzor]

It's such a Satisfyingly beautiful thing watching a true master craftsman at his trade, thank you much Mr. Smithwick.

[alexhebert]

This man is a National treasure. He makes me wish we could turn the clock back to a simpler life. People were more thankful for their daily bread. I'm thankful for this lovely soul who is the epitome of humble. God bless you my friend.

[zenongarnek]

Every bucket and barrel Mr George Smithjwick hand crafted contains a little bit of his soul and this is what is so precious about all those old trades where hands are the main tool. Respect Mr Smithwick.

[Solanza]

Youtube's joke of an algorithm finally does it's job for the first time after the 10.000 non interesting recommendations that I received.

Thanks Sydney Living Museums for making this great video!
May your life be filled with goodness George!

[SterlingScreencasts]

"And then, we sit here and enjoy life." Love it!

[garrydeimert]

Wow, what an amazing 50 mins, I could listen to this fella for hours, such honesty and sense. The world needs more people like this to get back to what really matters, today's progress is not for the better. Good health to you fella.

[phoebewong]

It’s not just a bucket, it’s somebody’s devotion of his whole life to do one thing right. The skill is passed down through generations which holds the wisdom and ingenuity of mankind. It’s beautiful.

[knownaigm]

"what do you like about making buckets?"
"It's a practical thing"

anyone who has never made something useful with their own hands is really missing out on an amazing experience in life. The first time you set out to create some useful tool or object and succeed, even poorly, that feeling of "I MADE this" is wonderful.

[patrickwhiteNewryBard]

As someone who was brought up among the shavings ln Ireland Let me say George is not just a gifted tradesman but a brilliant teacher.

[matthewhart]

Truly old school not just an inside look of a Cooper the language that this man used

[EvilSSP]

The world would be a better place if people cared more about hand made stuff like this.

[Windrider]

Thank you George Smithwick, and thank you Sydney Living Museums for presenting us with his knowledge.

[bradleybrad]

Absolutely heartwarming to listen to this chap share. I always love listening to the older generation talk about how they did things and share their stories.

[minkeyandzomble]

Nine minutes in and I learned more about coopering than I did the 6 years I spent volunteering on a Living History Farm.

[ChristopherHemsworthCreative]

Watching this video made me imagine a time when every single possession a person owned or used would have been precious and valued. A functional pail to fetch water from the well, perhaps. Something reliable, handcrafted, made to last and function. Everything now is disposable.

[doyouneedalittlebag]

More than his great craftsmanship, you have to admire his ability to work with the filmmaker to make such a good film

[HarryP]

Craftsmen and women like George are our national living treasures. Helping to maintain ancient crafts by passing on their knowledge and passion to a new generation. Thank you sir.

[joshuasimpson]

I work at a Museum where we have a cooperage and I am learning the trade. I'm working on making a bucket right now and this video gave me some very useful tips. Thanks a lot, boy I wish I could work alongside him! We can't let the trades that allowed our civilizations to grow be forgotten.