Author Talk: Michael Drapac

When Clancy rode down the Cooper, Ned Kelly went on the run and Hugh Jackman’s Drover headed for Darwin, they all rode in an Australian stock saddle.

Join us in conversation with stock saddle connoisseur and collector Michael Drapac to explore the unique story of the saddle and the men and women who made and rode them.

In this special event you will hear the story of William Purdue the Ballarat saddle maker appointed saddle maker to Prince Alfred and see an original saddle by Purdue generously donated by Michael.

Developed in response to the unique challenges of the Australian environment, the Australian stock saddle is known for its comfort and ease when riding, especially over unpredictable terrain.

From its early iterations in the 1800s to modern-day saddles, the stock saddle has underpinned many of this country’s most iconic historical events, but its history has never been written.

Wild Ride captures this story – from colonial pioneers to Aboriginal stockmen and women, from bushrangers to the Boer War, and from the earliest crafters to the most recent handstitched examples.

Saddlers are highly skilled leatherworkers; it can take months to finish a single saddle. This gorgeous book captures the work of saddlers such as Jack Wieneke, J.P. Talty and Syd Hill as well as many contemporary makers, and celebrates a uniquely Australian object – a piece of functional art.