The Fyansford Paper Mill
The Fyansford Paper Mill is an historical precinct, heritage listed site.
The Fyansford Paper Mill
The Mill started operations on 9 August 1878, over 140 years ago. The rags (old clothing, tents, sails etc) were delivered to the rag sorting room (now Russell Fibreglass Industries site 16). It was here that staff cut off all buttons, clasps, buckles etc. They were then taken to the adjoining building (now Louise Woodmansey art studio) where they were chopped up into small pieces. In the Willow or winnowing room all the dust and lint was removed from the rags. This was perhaps the dirtiest job on the site. Generally a man and young boys and girls did this filthy and health threatening work. they wound cloth around their faces to protect them from all the dust and lint.
The chopped up rags were then dropped down into a revolving boiler and boiled to remove any remaining dirt or contamination. This also softened the rags for the paper making process. The product was then removed to the Breaker House where the rags were then bleached and pulped.into a consistency of the right requirement. When necessary some colouring was added. The pulp was then run out onto the paper machine in the Machine Room (now Provenance Winery) to produce the reels of paper which then was inspected, cut packaged in the Finishing Room. Once it was finished it was stacked in the Paper Store (now Wine Making shed for Provenenace).
Life at the Paper Mil was a cycle and dangerous in the operation of the machinery. Especially dangerous was the rag chopping room where many a child’s fingers, arms were crushed or cut with the rag chopping machine – which is akin to a tree shredder of today.
Art, Craft & Cultural Precinct
The precinct consists of several art/craft/ cafe/ winery/businesses each operating independently within the buildings of the precinct. The cafe is open 7 days a week, other art/craft businesses operate various at times throughout the week whereas Provenance Winery, The Papermill Gallery and Dimora Design are open Wednesday to Sunday.
Site numbers at Fyansford Paper Mills
1. ZDF Studio
2. Provenance Winery
3a.The Great Hall (Truffleduck)
4. All Things Mosaic
5. Geelong Escape Room Games
6. Creative Repurposed Assorted Products
6a.Bruce Kirby Studio
7. Stone Vault Studio
8. The Door Gallery Cafe
9. The Paper Mill Gallery
10 Frank Baker
11.
12.
13.
14. Papermill Artisans
15.
16. Russell Fibreglass Industries
17.
18. Baker st Studio
19. Louise Woodmansey Studio
20. Dimora Design
21. Kyp & Co. Printer & Artist. Corio Bay Communities 22. The Apiarian, Broadfork textile art, Nivya Shekher Art
22a Linda Newman Yoga
23. Private residence
23a.Door Gallery Kitchen
24. Prayag BnB
Open at different times – please check with owners.
The Fyansford Paper Mill is a hidden heritage and cultural treasure. This Paper mill has been a testimony to the Victorian manufacturers during the 1870s. The buildings as well as the machinery were created during the great technological period. It remains as one of the most complete complex’s of its time. This mill comprised of the original mill building itself along with a manager’s house built in the year 1878, impeller, stone weir with water race and 6 cottages for workers. Among the various other paper mills in Australia, this one remains as the earliest built paper mill.
On your visit you can enjoy the history which is rich in its own way since it is dated back to early industrial era. Gradually there have been a lot of changes at this heritage site where it is turning out to be an emerging tourist spot and arts precinct. The buildings at this heritage site are huge and magnificent. Thus it is the perfect setting for art lovers and music fanatics. It is turning out to be the perfect blend of rich old culture with a touch of modernisation.
There are art, craft and cultural studios blooming in this venue. If you are looking for that perfect getaway to just unwind and relax then you can surely head to the Fyansford Paper Mill. Art galleries, studios, winery, café, accommodation, live music and many more revival ideas that make this place more happening.
Although situated just on the outskirts of Geelong it gives you that village like feel. Very peaceful and away from the stressful city life. You also have easy access to the famous Buckley Falls. There is plenty of parking space and is just a 10 minute drive from the city.
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