Ned Trewartha — wooden boats, furniture and ukuleles (supplier profile)

Find the workshop in Woodbridge

Ned Trewartha works from a shed in Woodbridge, Tasmania, overlooking the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island. His workshop doubles as a small gallery where finished pieces have been shown. The site notes that work can be viewed at the Woodbridge workshop/gallery, but opening arrangements change from time to time, so plan to check availability before you go.

What you will see and buy

Ned’s studio produces a small range of handcrafted objects: one-off furniture, small sculptures and ukuleles. His pieces are often made from Tasmanian timbers and may incorporate recycled timber where possible. The workshop/gallery displays unique items and examples of commissions. If you are interested in a bespoke piece, the maker accepts commissioned work and produces individual items on request.

Craft, materials and heritage

Ned trained as a wooden boat builder and is an early graduate of the Shipwright’s Point School of Wooden Boat Building diploma course. His boatbuilding background informs his current work. Historically he specialised in clinker, lapstrake dinghies built with copper rivets and Tasmanian timbers. He has used those same woodworking skills to shape furniture, instruments and small sculptural forms. Expect careful timber selection, traditional joinery and fine surface work rather than mass-produced finishes.

Visiting conditions and practical checks

The gallery has been closed sometimes for set periods; a recent notice indicated a temporary closure between 4 April 2026 and 30 May 2026. Opening days and hours can change with exhibitions and the maker’s schedule, so check current status before you travel. The maker posts updates on social media, and the site suggests following the studio’s account for the latest news.

Accessibility and visitor facilities are not detailed in the available information. If mobility access, parking, or the ability to handle heavier pieces are important to you, contact the gallery beforehand to confirm arrangements. Also ask about photography policy and whether furniture or instruments on display are for sale or are display-only.

Suitability and who should visit

This visit suits anyone with an interest in traditional boatbuilding craft, timber furniture, hand-made musical instruments or small-scale timber sculpture. Collectors of Tasmanian timber work and people looking for a commissioned one-off piece will find the studio relevant. It is less suited to those expecting a large commercial showroom or regular retail hours; the setting is a working studio with limited public opening times.

Commissions, costs and timelines , checks to make

The maker accepts commissions for unique pieces. There is no publicly listed price range in the available material, so enquire directly about budgets, lead times and timber choices. Commission work can involve waiting periods depending on the maker’s schedule and current projects. Confirm estimated completion dates, deposit requirements and delivery or pick-up arrangements before committing.

Exhibitions and recognition

Ned’s work has been entered in regional art awards and exhibitions. Records show participation in local exhibitions and listings in Huon Valley arts events, including recognition in Huon Art Awards categories. Recent exhibition activity has included shared shows at Salamanca Arts Centre in Hobart. These events are a way to see a wider selection of work when the studio itself is closed.

Simple travel tips for Woodbridge visits

• Check the studio/gallery opening status before you travel, especially around public holidays or exhibition periods. One recent gallery closure was specified for early April to late May 2026, illustrating that dates can change.
• Follow the studio on social media for short-notice updates on openings and new work. The official profile recommends this channel for current activity.
• Ask ahead about viewing options if you are planning a focused visit to assess commission suitability or timber samples. The workshop is a working space and may not always be set up for casual drop-in browsing.
• If you plan to bring luggage, measure vehicle access and confirm parking. The available information does not detail on-site parking or loading facilities.

Visiting Ned’s Woodbridge studio offers a close look at craft transferred from boatbuilding to furniture and instruments. With advance enquiries and flexible timing you can see original Tasmanian timber work and discuss commissions with the maker.