Gearing up for the Tasmanian Craft Fair

By Di Walker, Rotary Club of Deloraine

2026 marks the 45^th anniversary of the Tasmanian Craft Fair. Initially entitled the Tasmanian Cottage Industry Exhibition and Trade Fair, the Fair, organised by the Rotary Club of Deloraine, has grown into one of the largest events on the Tasmanian calendar. 

The TCF Committee is both delighted and privileged to have not one, but two very special exhibits on show in the Community Complex this year. Firstly, through the generosity of Anne and Rob Thompson, a replica of the original ‘Rajah’ Quilt will be presented. The original quilt was created by a number of female convicts whilst being transported to Van Diemen’s Land on the ‘Rajah’ in 1841. It is recognised internationally as a unique and extraordinary artefact and contributes significantly to both Tasmanian and Australian history. Due to its age and fragility it is unable to be transported and is currently secured in the National Gallery of Australia. 

Its replica, however, is a faithful, both true to size and colour representation of the original. Prior to being displayed at the TCF, the quilt, since July of this year, has been accepted by Her Excellency, the Honourable Caroline Wells at Government House and exhibited at both TMAG and the Tasmanian Quilters’ Guild Annual Exhibition.

In combination with the Rajah Quilt, Dr Christina Henri, will be in attendance and displaying 180 bonnets as part of her ‘Roses from the Heart’ textile art project which ultimately acknowledges the 25,566 convict women transported to Australia between 1788 and 1853. Each bonnet on display at the TCF is a reflection of the creative skills of the maker and bears the name of one of the female convicts who sailed aboard the Rajah to VDL in 1841. Christina invites anyone with a female convict ancestor from the ‘Rajah’ voyage to visit the exhibition and have their photo taken wearing the bonnet recognising their ancestor’s life.

Showing true community spirit, a select group of Years 9 and 10 students, with the hard work and support of teaching staff from Deloraine High School are currently working on scripting and filming a reenactment of the stitching of the quilt aboard the ‘Rajah’. This short film will form part of the overall ‘Rajah’ experience.

With the addition of these unique exhibits the upcoming 3 day event is shaping up to be bigger and better this year, with over 220 exhibitors and creatives showing and selling their wares across multiple Deloraine sites. Held between Friday the 30^th of October and Sunday the 1st of November all tastes will be catered for with a wide variety of items on display and for sale. These include, but are certainly not limited to homewares, jewellery, clothing, leather items, toys, ceramics, garden tools and art, wooden pieces, and both traditional and contemporary artwork.

The “Foodies” amongst us  are also well catered for through the inclusion of not only the “Providore Pantry” but a host of gourmet delights available across all venues. As per usual the Deloraine Show Society is catering with family friendly treats and prices in mind. A number of Tassie distilleries and breweries will provide tipples including beer, spirits and wine.

Entertainment will feature live music such as Deloraine’s own Big Band and Prospect’s St. Patrick’s School Band. Face painting remains an annual favourite with the kids! 

Tickets for the upcoming Tasmanian Craft Fair are available online at tascraftfair.com.au or at the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre at 98 Emu Bay Rd, Deloraine. Tickets will also be available on each day of the Fair at select venues.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Fair!