Interview with Tom Kovač: Preserving a dying craft in the modern world
Photos: Tom Kovač, private album
The blacksmithing trade, once an indispensable part of daily life, is slowly disappearing in the face of rapid development in the metal-processing industry. Tom Kovač from Melbourne is one of those keeping this ancient tradition alive, passing it on to new generations whilst connecting with his Croatian family roots.
A Journey Back Through Family History
Tom, can you tell us how your blacksmithing story began?
“My blacksmithing story starts with researching my family about 20 years ago. I discovered that my grandfather August Kovač was a blacksmith in Slatina, Croatia. His father Antun left the village of Turke in Gorski Kotar for Voćin with five brothers to work on the Gutmann railway line. Through my research, I found that all my ancestors were master blacksmiths in that region from the 1500s onwards.”
That’s a fascinating family tradition. What else did you discover about your ancestors?
“The information I found about my family shows that we were blacksmiths for the noble Frankopan family in the areas of Čabar, Gerevo and Brod na Kupi. That makes me particularly proud – knowing that my family has such a rich blacksmithing heritage.”
The Spark That Ignited a Passion
When did the spark for blacksmithing ignite within you?
“After visiting Sovereign Hill in Ballarat with my family, we saw a blacksmith in action – right there, the spark ignited in me. My passion for this lost craft began to awaken. Shortly after completing a course with a master blacksmith in Victoria, I bought an anvil and some other tools.”
How did you develop your skills?
“I attended several more courses to perfect my skills, and in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic hit us, I built my own forge on my farm. My wife Helen, the children and my father helped me.”
Building a Bridge to the Past
Can you describe your forge for us?
“I built the forge’s design based on a photograph that my friend from Slatina found in my grandfather’s forge in Croatia, dating from 1941. I have great emotional attachment to it, so it’s displayed in my forge today along with a horseshoe that comes from the Kovač family home in the village of Turke in Croatia. It gives me constant inspiration when I think about who my grandfather was.”
What did you name your forge – your special place?
“It’s called Sokol Forge – you can find everything about it on the Facebook page of the same name. I named the forge Sokol forge while I was pitching the roof I looked up and saw a hawk flying high above me. When we erected the roof structure, following old Croatian tradition, we raised the Croatian flag and drank rakija. It was a proud moment – three generations of Kovač men: my father Josip, my son Tommy and myself.”
Passing on the Tradition
Do you involve your children in the blacksmithing craft?
“Absolutely! My children, son Tommy and daughter Summer, also make various things with me in the shop. I’m passing on our family tradition and true Croatian values to them, and I hope this will continue through future generations for several generations to come.”
What do you produce in your forge?
“I’ve made and sold numerous forged items – from hooks to tripod stands for camping, horseshoes for horses… I tell my customers and interested people that they can send me a photograph or drawing of anything they want. I’m constantly improving my skill and creativity, continuing to learn and perfect my craft.”
Dreams for the Future
Do you have plans for the future?
“In time, my wish is to introduce the blacksmithing craft to others and enable people to come to my workshop where I would teach them certain skills so they could make something themselves and take it home.”
Is there personal motivation behind your work?
“My grandfather August was killed in the Second World War when my father was only 8 months old, so the blacksmithing skills weren’t passed down, but I thank God that I have the opportunity to be a blacksmith and continue the family legacy. Since blacksmithing is a dying craft, I hope to keep it alive for as long as I live.”
Building Community Connections
Would you like to connect with other blacksmiths from the Croatian community?
“Definitely! If there’s anyone in the Croatian community who has blacksmithing skills, I’d love to connect and exchange experiences. You can contact me through Facebook at Sokol Forge – Blacksmith shop or via email at sokol_forge@outlook.com.” https://www.facebook.com/sokolforge
A Message for Future Generations
What message would you send to those considering preserving traditional crafts?
“Traditional crafts are our heritage that we mustn’t let disappear. In a world of mass production, handwork and traditional heritage are extremely valued. My skill has been acquired through work and constant learning, persistence and with lots of effort and love – that’s what makes the difference.”
