"Nicol’s Blacksmith Shop has special historical significance as a rare surviving blacksmith’s shop with its origins in nineteenth-century Otago. Nicol’s Blacksmith Shop provides insight into the changing history of transport in New Zealand and the service industries associated with it.
The smithy illustrates the provision of farrier and smithy services for horses and horse-drawn carriages in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and the services provided for motorized transport in the twentieth century.
Architecturally it represents the vernacular architecture associated with a small blacksmithing business, telling the story of its change of use and function through the architecture of the buildings.
Technologically the smithy and all its chattels provide an outstanding illustration of the industrial process of a forge and blacksmith. The tools of the trade are still present and range from the forge and bellows to horseshoes. It also reflects the transition from the power of the horse to the introduction of motorized vehicles."
- Heritage New Zealand
Who We AreThe Nicol's Blacksmith Historic Trust is the governing body for this historic blacksmith shop.
|
Our GoalFormed in 2009, the Trust has worked relentlessly to restore this historic building and is now focused on bringing it back to life.
|
