Is There a Hand Tool Mecca in London?

[W Burton]

After working too many hours outside in the ridiculous heat this summer, I am treating myself to a trip to the United Kingdom this Fall. I am mainly going to attend a couple of the Rugby World Cup matches, but will have a couple days in London. This is my first time ever crossing the Atlantic, so I know there will be a million things to see and do there -- more than I can possibly fit in. But, my question is, is there a tool seller or tool museum in London that I should plan to seek out? I don't want to return home and find out that I missed some great place filled with thousands of antique tools. All advice appreciated.

 

[Raymond]

I don't know of any, myself; however, there are plenty of members on Lumberjocks.com who hail from the UK? If you are a member there, you might get the information you are seeking.:widea:

 

[Canuck]

A long time member of the forum, DavidF (David Fenton) relocated to his homeland in the UK in 2010.

He is still a member here. I am not sure often he visits the site but it may be worthwhile to send him a PM. (Not sure how close he is to London though.)

Wayne

 

[Steve Martin]

After working too many hours outside in the ridiculous heat this summer, I am treating myself to a trip to the United Kingdom this Fall. I am mainly going to attend a couple of the Rugby World Cup matches, but will have a couple days in London. This is my first time ever crossing the Atlantic, so I know there will be a million things to see and do there -- more than I can possibly fit in. But, my question is, is there a tool seller or tool museum in London that I should plan to seek out? I don't want to return home and find out that I missed some great place filled with thousands of antique tools. All advice appreciated.

bodgers.org.uk is the web site for The Association of Pole Lathe Turners and Greenwood Workers in England. The English members can give you lots of info if you post a question on the Q&A section of the site. You might even be able to attend one of their meetings, which emphasize pole lathe turning.

 

[Jeff]

A quick search for starters: The Museum of London and the British Museum.

http://collections.museumoflondon.o...s=6&start=0&page=1&viewBy=listView&sortBy=asc

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explor...cts/aes/g/group_of_bronze_tools_for_wood.aspx

A pricey book, but probably a good read before crossing the pond (see Amazon).

http://www.antiquewoodworkingtools.co.uk

 

[W Burton]

A quick search for starters: The Museum of London and the British Museum.

http://collections.museumoflondon.o...s=6&start=0&page=1&viewBy=listView&sortBy=asc

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explor...cts/aes/g/group_of_bronze_tools_for_wood.aspx

A pricey book, but probably a good read before crossing the pond (see Amazon).

http://www.antiquewoodworkingtools.co.uk

thanks for the info. That book looks great, but as you say it's pricey. Maybe I can find a copy in a used book store in London!