Australia losing expert craftsman to mesothelioma
17 Dec 2008 by Wendi Lewis under News, People
For generations, skilled craftspeople and artisans have passed down their secrets for creating fine handmade furniture. Among the best is Tom Harrington, of the Southern Highlands area of Australia. For more than 16 years, he has passed on his wealth of woodworking knowledge to those up and coming in the art. According to a story in the Southern Highalnd News, Mr. Harrington has taught more than 180 students at the Sturt School for Wood in Mittagong, in addition to making fine furniture.
However, Harrington says he is teaching his last 12-month course at the school, which will be completed at the end of this year. He is discontinuing his role as an instructor after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, the News reports. He says his time spent as an instructor was a “career high.” Mr. Harrington is 57 years old. The news report does not elaborate on his current health or future treatment choices that led him to the decision to stop teaching.
Harrington currently serves as Director for the school, a position he has held since 1992. His biographical information says he trained at the Canberra School of Art under George Ingham and has worked as a studio furniture maker and a commercial cabinetmaker. His work is exhibited regularly in Australia and is represented extensively in private collections.
The Southern Highlands is positioned half-way between Sydney and Canberra on the main southern corridor. Situated 90 minutes from each of these major cities the shire has a population of nearly 37,000 and is maintaining a steady growth rate. The shire consists of several small villages that surround the major retail centres of Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale.
