An instrument can be the means with which something is done. This makes me think of how tools and trades have changed over the years.

Old irons at the Arms of Australia Inn at Penrith
Old irons at the Arms of Australia Inn at Penrith

This collection of irons was at the Arms of Australia Inn Museum at Penrith. They are a small part of an extensive collection of artefacts that were used or made in the local area. If you’ve ever picked one of these up, you will appreciate modern irons and fabrics!

Old typewriters at the Kandos Industrial Museum
Old typewriters at the Kandos Industrial Museum

I love old typewriters as part of an ongoing evolution of communication. This was part of the display at the Kandos Museum, which is an outstanding museum in the central west of New South Wales. Kandos was a town created for the manufacture of cement in the early twentieth century.

Trade tools at the Newington Armory site, Sydney
Trade tools at the Newington Armory site, Sydney

Industrial instruments were on display at the old Newington Armory site in Sydney. The site was in use for nearly a hundred years as an armament depot, and there are still many buildings intact or repurposed.

W L Byers & Co anchor at Victoria Green, Docklands (Melbourne)
W L Byers & Co anchor at Victoria Green, Docklands (Melbourne)

On a wander through Docklands in Melbourne, I came across a lovely community garden. It featured a W L Byers & Co anchor, which seems appropriate given the shipping heritage in the area.

Old piano at Windsor, which apparently survived the 1867 flood
Old piano at Windsor, which apparently survived the 1867 flood

And finally, a nod to musical instruments. This piano was spotted in Windsor on the Hawkesbury River. Although it’s playing days seemed a long time ago, it had apparently survived the 1867 floods.

Have you seen any old instruments in your travels?

Inspired by Discover Prompts – April writing prompts