DON STUART

Don was born in 1916. In 1932 he was apprenticed to J.P.Talty Pty Ltd in Sydney, working under Charlie Tomlinson who had been indentured aged 12 (circa 1865), so the passed on skills and traditions go back a long way.

The family moved to Sutherland in 1947, where there was a demand for a saddle and harness maker.

E.g. milk and ice delivered by horse and cart and pit ponies at Bulli Mines and both the postie at Helensburgh and the National Park Ranger were mounted.

Graeme started with Don in 1959 and brother Robert, two years later.

The historic, former ambulance station was purchased in 1966 and turned into a saddlery.

Don retired at 80 to concentrate on his fishing and garden and is hale and hearty at 91.

Robert has since turned the shop into an art gallery and Graeme has continued making saddles on his own, trading as Stuart Saddles.