That line struck me too! In the age of specialization most are disconected from the finished product. And this hate their jobs, Which leads to ________, and then____.
I work at a Museum where we have a cooperage and I am learning the trade. I'm working on making a bucket right now and this video gave me some very useful tips. Thanks a lot, boy I wish I could work alongside him! We can't let the trades that allowed our civilizations to grow be forgotten.
UA-cam's joke of an algorithm finally does it's job for the first time after the 10.000 non interesting recommendations that I received. Thanks Sydney Living Museums for making this great video! May your life be filled with goodness George!
Jesus says in Revelation 3 20, here I am at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens, I will enter him, I will dine with him and he with me. If you want Jesus Christ to enter your heart, make this prayer with me, so that he saves you from your own mistakes and sins, make this prayer believing that he can save you with faith: Lord Jesus Christ, I recognize that you are the Lord, that you are true, that you came and took the form of a servant. to save me from my sins, I ask you to enter my heart and make the creature in me. that you want for your kingdom , which will come, I give you glory and I ask you to save me and my family from the damnation of the devil, I beg you to restore me, make me your child and wash my clothes. with your holy and precious blood. heal my heart from all wounds, give me understanding to open my spiritual eyes and give me life, shepherd my soul Amen and amen glory to jesus. Jesus gave his life for you on the cross of Calvary. To free you from the jail of Satan. Christ is powerful to make the spiritually dead live, Jesus raises you from drugs and wherever the adversary has you. because Jesus already defeated him on the cross of Calvary. the lord jesus came to save what had been lost and he intercedes for us from above. to thwart everything that Satan has set against us. Christ Jesus is powerful, for God there is nothing impossible, I declare you free in the name of Jesus. Amen
Absolutely heartwarming to listen to this chap share. I always love listening to the older generation talk about how they did things and share their stories.
Mass Cheap production is world we now live in nowadays and sad. Heck when I was young my father used to fix everything and had skills to get car running, repair appliances, lawnmower etc nothing he didn’t figure out and had garage with “tools” not a bunch of storage crap. Nowadays even those skills or interest of knowledge are gone everything is disposable, replaceable or expensive service techs are hired to do the job. Miss the good ole days of helping him and the smell of accomplishment. Now people don’t even change own oil or most, their own wiper blades anymore! Sad
This man is a National treasure. He makes me wish we could turn the clock back to a simpler life. People were more thankful for their daily bread. I'm thankful for this lovely soul who is the epitome of humble. God bless you my friend.
This man almost brought me to tears. One of many lost arts and the lost people behind them. Carpentry is one of my hobbies and I understand every detail of how he does it.
Just so you all know, this recent fetishization of craftsmen, creeps us the fuck out. Just because we make things from trees doesn't mean none of us are idiots or that everyday is the most fulfilling joyous day on earth.
Craftsmen and women like George are our national living treasures. Helping to maintain ancient crafts by passing on their knowledge and passion to a new generation. Thank you sir.
Women weren't exactly craftsmen in the same sense. However, they did make clothing for the family which was also extremely important for those days. Hat's off to both I suppose.
@@johnnybee2517 My comment about craft women relates to the modern day where the lines of "male" and "female" jobs is much less distinct or non-existent. Regardless, you fail to remember that those women who made the clothes, to use your example, probably also spun the yarn and wove the cloth, a very skilled craft in itself.
Yes, this is one of those crafts that needs to be handed down. Many years ago a cooper did a demonstration at my college. He was a master cooper in Williamsburg. He said an apprenticeship takes ten years. When watching how he made a barrel I could see why. Amazing stuff.
@@joshconeby I just found an article saying his workshop burnt down along with all his tools and everything. Hes on record saying "It's all gone, that's it. Coopers are no more for Victoria." That is so sad!
Every bucket and barrel Mr George Smithjwick hand crafted contains a little bit of his soul and this is what is so precious about all those old trades where hands are the main tool. Respect Mr Smithwick.
It’s not just a bucket, it’s somebody’s devotion of his whole life to do one thing right. The skill is passed down through generations which holds the wisdom and ingenuity of mankind. It’s beautiful.
Watching this video made me imagine a time when every single possession a person owned or used would have been precious and valued. A functional pail to fetch water from the well, perhaps. Something reliable, handcrafted, made to last and function. Everything now is disposable.
We've exceeded disposable and seem to be at a point where we just accept manufacturers are building planned obsolescence in to the products. Very much hoping for and to be part of a hand crafted resurgence.
to the people back in history you didn't take for granted something breaking down thats for sure.. but eveyday objects like these were more common place.
Wow, what an amazing 50 mins, I could listen to this fella for hours, such honesty and sense. The world needs more people like this to get back to what really matters, today's progress is not for the better. Good health to you fella.
Absolutely fascinating documentary. Some years ago, around the late 1990s or early 2000s, I did a tour of the Wadworth brewery in Devizes, Wiltshire, England, and they still had a cooper making barrels. The tour guide had a job of prising us away from him because we all found him so absorbing. We wanted to be with him all day. Such knowledge and capability. Coopers are true craftsmen. I’m so sorry to see this way of life disappear.
"what do you like about making buckets?" "It's a practical thing" anyone who has never made something useful with their own hands is really missing out on an amazing experience in life. The first time you set out to create some useful tool or object and succeed, even poorly, that feeling of "I MADE this" is wonderful.
Since I got clean from opiates about ten years ago I started making everything I can for myself. I'm a pretty good leatherworker now and make good side money from it, I reload all my own ammo, I build guns, I cook from scratch a lot, I'm building a desk top computer instead of buying one whole, I try and work on my car as much as I can, and when I die I'll do it myself instead of letting some bug take me in my sleep. That last part was just a joke.
@rats arsed reducing a human being to a single derogatory term. Well fuckin' done. If you think of people struggling with addiction as defined by their substance use you must have a very narrow world view. I struggled with drugs alot in my life (3.5 years clean at this point.) But this junkie with alot of love and support got through it. Because people believed in me more than I did. Because my family refused to just let me die in the hole I dug for myself over the course of 9 years. And most certainly NOT by letting people like you influence my decision to get clean. I sobered up and joined an online school to finish getting my diploma. Ended up being valedictorian for my grad year. I'm going to university now trying to develop my future and get out of the part time jobs. I'm a blacksmith by trade and constantly work on developing my craft. I've made all of my woodworking tools because making money can be tough with any sort of a criminal record. But most the most important change I have made since getting clean is to change how I look at myself. Instead of resigning myself to die as a junkie, I respect myself and what I can do in this world. I've got purpose and happiness outside of numbing myself from the world full of cruel fuckin' assholes who can't respect other's humanity. To anybody who has struggled with addiction and mental health issues, my advise before anything else is learn to love yourself. Because truly nothing in this world can make you happy if you feel like you don't deserve happiness. But I give you my word that everyone deserves happiness and to feel some sense of love and community. Lean on your family members, and friends outside of your depression or habits. Don't let yourself fall into a toxic friendship or relationship, wherein the people around you aren't helping you to stay clean and healthy. Give it time and your brain will learn to give you that happy feeling without the drugs to help. Love you, random internet stranger. -Rando.
Far beyond enjoyed. This is what's missing from the world right now. Technology makes life easier, indeed, but craftsmanship is one of the most important things in humanity, and it's disappearing in favor of ease of life. Wall-E is a cautionary tale.
My oh my it really says something about our society that we long for the simplisticity of days gone by for something that our economy no longer values.
This is such a wonderfully recorded documentary. Contrary to most other technical or scientific videos the camera actually holds on a scene and shows what is happening. Typical videos don't show any shot longer than 1.5 seconds and even then the camera must be zooming, panning or whatever. But it seems it should be avoided at all costs the viewer sees something. I am very grateful for this video. I just wished the recording technique was copied by many more film makers.
You will see the same type of camera operation in older movies and TV shows. Lack of skill by the performer is often the reason for the short takes. It is one of the reasons I do not care for most modern movies.
I'm absolutely amazed watching you work, sir. I'm 71 years old and what you do as a Cooper is just amazing. Thank you for the video sir, I learned a lot about making buckets today. That is quite a skill you have and a valuable on too. You are very inspiring, and do beautiful work. I wish I had your skills.
I liked the secret little book he showed us, that was a mans life’s work. A work long forgotten and should be shared, I think the original owner of that book would be proud to have his life’s work spotlighted
THIS IS A VERY NICE TRADE. ITS A SHAME TTHAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW THIS. THE WAY THINGS ARE MADE AUTOMATICALLY LEAVES SO MUCH TO BE DESIRED. YOUR TRADE IS MUCH MORESPECIAL THAN MANY PEOPLE REALIZE.
As a kid a long time ago, I can remember being taken by my grandfather to a local meat works in New Zealand and watching the coopers making big barrels. I never forgot the experience even at that young age. To see George working here is a total delight to this old guy.
what a master, I wish that I could know this old timer. Ive only been looking into this for a few minutes before coming to this video, I suddenly really want to go visit and make a whole slough of buckets, churns, and barrels. these are really worth anything that he could charge, what an awesome person. God bless you Mr.
Oh yes, it was. So good to see the craft my ancestors did :) My name translated to english is "Cooper" :) I asked my dad, but he didn't know who from my family was making barrels... Well, i guess it runs in the family. I'm too working with my hands "mostly" by fixing and installing machines:)
I didn’t even know what a cooper was but I came across this video by accident and really enjoyed the history lesson and explanation of how these various tools were used by real craftsman! Thank you so much for sharing.
It's rare that this smartmouthed punk is at a loss for words, but I found myself nigh overwhelmed with the flood of thoughts and emotions as I ate this up. Clearly I'm not alone in any one of them, as previous comments so thoroughly document, but I am truly grateful to Dr. Smithwick for sharing so generously of his soul for the enlightenment of any and all who have both the good sense and the good fortune to sit at his feet for a moment in time. Nevermind that I share his genetic lineage and vintage and certain of his joys in working with his hands - I also happen to have a grandson who shares his birthday. Having a neighbor who's a cooper - just another co-inky-dink. Many, many thanks to you, George! ...and thanks indeed to the makers/sharers of this video!!!
Every day I try to follow a plan I came up with many years ago... I will spend some time watching a few youtube videos on subjects I am interested in, but I must also pick at least 1 video that is as random as I can get. That video could be anything from a man fixing a part on his furnace to a politician chattering on about something at a podium. As the years passed I have become more and more convinced that this strategy makes me a more well-rounded individual. This video was today's "random" video and I do believe I'm that much better for having seen it. I enjoyed listening to George, and even though I doubt I'll ever Need to know anything I have learned from him today, I am honored to have learned it. Keep up the good work sir!
I just freaking love all kinds of old crafts. I'm only 25, So hopefully I've got years and years to learn all these things, and maybe even put then to some real use, that to just learn them for the sake of learning. I admire people like this geezer here!
@@johnjohnson5907 Not necessarily so. It was an old slang word, not really disrespectful. Plus, the young lad seems to take an interest in the trades. That's often how it starts.
@@musamor75 Geezer to me means a man of character. Granted some are character traits that are undesirable, but in this case definitely not. It's probably just a regional difference of meaning that caused offence.
@@twotone3070 I don't know if you're Australian but here it's normally meant as an insult. It kind of goes like this: Well he was only a stupid old geezer. I've never once heard anyone use it as a compliment, not once.
From here in the States we thank you so much for showing this professional to the rest of us. This video should be shown to the youth so they can better understand the shoulders we of today stand on! We definitely owe Mr. Smithwick a brew!! Thanks!
This is why I find trades so valuable, I recognize how vital some of these skills are and they’ve become such a pillar in building a modern life that you’d be a fool to ignore them or treat them with any kind of disrespect.
So many position papers have championed trades over a college education for at least 90 percent of what a customer needs. Obviously professional vocations require degrees . Regrettably, university marketing plans and budget have suaded many to buy this concept- honestly, does one actually work in ones chosen field and how long did it take to earn a meaningful wage A union apprenticeship begins with one having a job in their chosen trade before during and after training with eventual testing to leave apprenticeship and become a journeyman.
As i watch this, and realizing that he's 6th generations cooper, i am looking at 5 to 600 years of craftmenship. Great video and a brilliant cooper. Hats off to you sir. You're a national treasure.
I have no use for a bucket, but now I want one! Beautiful craftsmanship. I never realized how much work went into making buckets and barrels. Thank you for sharing it with us..
This is way more than just a Master Class from a generational cooper. It's the beautiful and heartfelt story of the lineage and legacy of wonderful, hard-working men that possess the knowledge of doing something so essential, yet that time has forgotten. It's too bad that most of today's youth completely lack the desire and motivation to allow their minds and hearts to be inculcated with true art and crafts necessary for living, and in most cases, survival. We never know when we'll need these skills, but if we're ever in a great tribulation like no man has ever seen before, trust me when I tell you that these skills will save your life!!! Thank you George Smithwick. May God bless you and your hands!
Are young people allowed to encounter people like Mr. Smithwick? It’s worth a try before writing off a generation. It would require the efforts of adults to conceive, schedule and transport in order to make it happen. Will parents make themselves available to help in that kind of activity or will they find it easier to hand their children Amazon Fire Tablets pre-loaded with “Crafts Battle 2040: Annunaki Coopers vs Nephilim Candlemakers Race to the Center of Nibiru”
That guy is so modest that, in my head, I was translating "lucky" to "skilled" for him. Also, I was so excited I paused it, rummage in the garage for a piece of laid rope plans to make a loop while I finished it---video done---loop not so much. 5ish tries, frayed-out. A few bumpy messes. Many tries later a loop! Crazy strong too. That, and a pile of rope fibers and pieces on the carpet.
Its not a loop, its called an Eye Splice, its to make a permanent Eye in the end if a rope, a temporary eye is made by tying a Bowline, these methods are still very much in use at Sea in all manner of Vessels
A cheat is to tape the ends of the strands, shouldn't really be necessary if you are only going through three times, or you can use small twine to wrap the ends of the strands, I think this is called mousing.
That is absolutely awesome, the more I watch the handmade videos the more I realize what we are losing with every generation. Please keep up your special work and keep making history come alive.
I was sucked in after 15 seconds. I watched beginning to end (with a snack and pee break in the middle). This is a dying art and this guy was a real treat to watch work his craft. I now know that I need a handmade wooden bucket!! Awesome work George, I'm glad you continued your family's craft!
Its not dying. Well coopering as a profession? Yes. But Woodworking as a whole is probably healthier than it has been in a long time. As far as hobbiests and semi pros go, I believe we are greater in number than ever. Obviously the professional side has transitioned to more boutique hyper high end stuff/art, rather than making utilitarian items.
Straight coopering like this is fairly straight forward (which is probably why they chose it to be the subject of the film). Try it, you might make a crappy bucket but if you do a bit of research, you should still end up with a bucket. I believe in you
What and amazing craftsman, the amount of ability and knowledge George has and is sharing is truly incredible and priceless, one day people like George will be gone and humanity will be poorer as some computer 3d prints out a crappy looking bucket with no soul, God bless him!
Man, this is old school. They don't make them like they used to. Thank kind Sir for sharing your craft. Many years and generations of experience you just can't teach 🙏
nice work George, my uncle was a cooper but I never saw anything he did, this makes you appreciate the good old hand made stuff that lasted a life time
Being almost 55 yrs old, as a child I worked on a Dairy farm and wished today my Children had the same opportunity I had back then Milking and Taking care of 5000 heads. All day long. I'm happy to see you share your Cooperage with the world. At least your kids and Grandchildren and Great grandchildren will be able to see you way into the future doing a Job most of us have no idea existed till we watched your Videos. Thank you Sir. You could be My Father at my age Lol have a Blessed Life and thank you for sharing your Trade and Thoughts.
Great film, I really enjoyed watching this craftsman at work. There's still a Smithwick and Son brewery in Ireland to this day, a county Kilkenny family I believe.
Watching George reminds me of my oldest Grandfather x5 and only 2 of my mothers sons grow beards like our greatest Grandfather. I am one and I'm Irish. Thanks for video George. Family name is Swisher
This is probably the most interesting way I've ever spent an hour, but I don't feel like it's a loss. In fact, I feel enriched by seeing something beautiful being crafted by hand. Someday I will be a craftsman of sorts. If not in this life, the next! Thank y'all for finding, interviewing and filming this amazing craftsman!
How fascinating. I always wondered how containers were made in the old days. A pure work of art. I taught myself how to make soap, beer, Meade, leather work, book binding, hydroponic growing, and now I want to try my hand at making old time buckets. I believe in being self sufficient. Thank you George for showing me your art. You truly are a Master of your Craft. God Bless You
I agree with everyone else, a really interesting and informative film. A plesure to watch this old fella show us how he makes a bucket while explaining what he was doing and why, and then showing us his tools and xplaining what they were for and how they were used. I'm so glad this knowladge is being shared in this way rather than just being lost and forgotten. I hope the Living Museum does many more such films,. A very worthwhile project, for generations to come.
This is why these skills and products should come back. Plastic is taking over my home, and finding these products aren't of the same quality and are expensive.
@@elvinadhludhlu5380 So why aren't you learning this skill? It's always "oh this thing sucks and this thing should go back to be as it used to" but nobody ever wants to put down the work to make it happen
I’m always being told to bang out more with lower quality, which kills me as a commercial artist. I’m glad that there are amazing craftsmen like Mr. Smithwick who takes pride in his skills and joy in creating high quality things made with with great care. So Mr. Smithwick, here’s a 39 years old commercial artist who envies your job!
What a fascinating man. I'd love to just spend a day with him and listen to his stories from his past. I had a friend who installed the very first cellular service back in the 60s (?) in NYC. He had so many stories and so much wisdom, it was always a treat to spend time with him. (R.I.P., George). Anybody who thinks old people are boring never sat down and talked to them. Life was so much more interesting back then. He will be the most prepared if a solar flare knocks out our electricity. That man is an OG survivor. That bucket was beautiful, too.
I'd love to spend all my time with him learning all stuff, helping what he does and besides playing around my guitar and crafting some different bodies for it. Extremely valuable person.
Really interesting to see him and other craftsmen and women at work. The alternative to their products cost phenomenally less but for me aesthetics is everything. Yes, I would buy ten plastic buckets, but my pride and joy for my whole lifetime would be a hand crafted bucket.
Ditto on that Alan. That barrel will last your lifetime! And it will be worth even more when you...you know.....it will be museum piece. You can burn the stuff we want to erase! It will add mystery for your grandchildren.. just sayin'
Craftsmanship at its best and a fine piece of art that will outrun a piece of plastic anytime thank you for your contribution on making anyone life easier over the years sir.
What an amazing work of art! I hope that this trade is not lost to us. Even ladies appreciate the effort, work, and love of working with wood. Thank you it is a delight!
Thank you for recording your craft for contemporary and future generations! I, and apparently millions others, find this interesting enough to watch and learn.
amazing gift of knowledge for prosperity. George, your tradition will continue thanks to your desire to share, good bless. Congrats to Edward and Jimmy for the video post. Lets get another one for a barrel.
I’m 6:30 in and I absolutely love this guy. What a great teacher. A master at his trade and enjoyable to watch. What a privilege it would be as an apprentice under his guide.
Absolutely fantastic, a joy to watch and to be taught by this man who is obviously got his heart and soul in his gift and it comes across clearly how much he enjoys it. I love the story of him not allowing his father to be the last in line in the family to be a cooper, George grabbed the baton and has run with it for over 30 yrs! I am sure his dad would have wanted it that way and be so very proud. I would love to have one of those buckets, so beautiful but functional from carrying water, to washing in and doing washing in and carrying it to the line to hang out, collecting produce from the garden then using it to wash that in, endless usage for many, many years and to get more beautiful with time! Thank you George...
This is beautiful in every way. I hope this man and his family is blessed. I read he had a fire in 2006 and suffered burns from it, and lost a lot of his tools. He thought would make it hard to continue, but I am glad he has. Amazing man.
I Absolutely Loved This, Thank you for Making this and Thank You George! I Watched Every Last Bit of It!!! I Am So Glad Men Like George Smithwick Still Exist in This World, We Need more Men Like Him! God Bless! J... ( Toronto )
Not only a dying art, but this man is a historian. He has kept me enthralled from start to finish.!
Look at those hands , its like excavator buckets or even harder .... ;-)
I've watched this multiple times and he continues to keep me engaged
True to his families heritage roots.
👍
modern society will collapse and people who know stuff like this will be the ones left standing.
May these skills never disappear into history.
ThZi
As long as there is barrel aged whiskey the coopers will be with us.
That's why we are here sir.
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With enough videos like this. That should be relatively impossible. But, tbh, if humanity ends, human technology ends.
"And then, we sit here and enjoy life." Love it!
For one to be able to enjoy their job like that is wonderful!
That line struck me too! In the age of specialization most are disconected from the finished product. And this hate their jobs, Which leads to ________, and then____.
Yup
@@EddVCR Find a job you like, then it's not work.
My favourite also. Very telling.
I work at a Museum where we have a cooperage and I am learning the trade. I'm working on making a bucket right now and this video gave me some very useful tips. Thanks a lot, boy I wish I could work alongside him! We can't let the trades that allowed our civilizations to grow be forgotten.
UA-cam's joke of an algorithm finally does it's job for the first time after the 10.000 non interesting recommendations that I received.
Thanks Sydney Living Museums for making this great video!
May your life be filled with goodness George!
I was thinking the same thing! Well said!!!
Here here. This man is a gem!
It's such a Satisfyingly beautiful thing watching a true master craftsman at his trade, thank you much Mr. Smithwick.
Well put...
Great video
Bruns engineering
Jesus says in Revelation 3 20, here I am at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens, I will enter him, I will dine with him and he with me.
If you want Jesus Christ to enter your heart, make this prayer with me, so that he saves you from your own mistakes and sins, make this prayer believing that he can save you with faith:
Lord Jesus Christ, I recognize that you are the Lord, that you are true, that you came and took the form of a servant. to save me from my sins, I ask you to enter my heart and make the creature in me. that you want for your kingdom , which will come, I give you glory and I ask you to save me and my family from the damnation of the devil, I beg you to restore me, make me your child and wash my clothes. with your holy and precious blood. heal my heart from all wounds, give me understanding to open my spiritual eyes and give me life, shepherd my soul
Amen and amen
glory to jesus.
Jesus gave his life for you on the cross of Calvary. To free you from the jail of Satan. Christ is powerful to make the spiritually dead live, Jesus raises you from drugs and wherever the adversary has you. because Jesus already defeated him on the cross of Calvary.
the lord jesus came to save what had been lost and he intercedes for us from above. to thwart everything that Satan has set against us. Christ Jesus is powerful, for God there is nothing impossible, I declare you free in the name of Jesus. Amen
@@leroymcmillin ייחחחחיחחחחחחחחחח
Absolutely heartwarming to listen to this chap share. I always love listening to the older generation talk about how they did things and share their stories.
what a craftsman, i love old world craftsman ship. we need to keep these skills alive.
The world would be a better place if people cared more about hand made stuff like this.
And cleaner, less poluted and less people would be in debt
Mass Cheap production is world we now live in nowadays and sad. Heck when I was young my father used to fix everything and had skills to get car running, repair appliances, lawnmower etc nothing he didn’t figure out and had garage with “tools” not a bunch of storage crap.
Nowadays even those skills or interest of knowledge are gone everything is disposable, replaceable or expensive service techs are hired to do the job. Miss the good ole days of helping him and the smell of accomplishment.
Now people don’t even change own oil or most, their own wiper blades anymore! Sad
Many people do
That is how you make a bucket cost $100 or more.
@@Muscleupsanddangles Maybe but it'll also outlast 100 of those cheap plastic Home Depot buckets. You get what you pay for.
This man is a National treasure. He makes me wish we could turn the clock back to a simpler life. People were more thankful for their daily bread. I'm thankful for this lovely soul who is the epitome of humble. God bless you my friend.
Wow .tell him ty so much for showing me how he builds buckets.
I would love to see more his craft. Is so creative.from start to finish!♥️
This man almost brought me to tears. One of many lost arts and the lost people behind them. Carpentry is one of my hobbies and I understand every detail of how he does it.
The day where "wood was wooden and gold was gold"
R r4855
World heritage!
Just to be with this man for one day would be an amazing experience.
Honestly
I was thinking the same thing
I wish I could!
So true. Imagine the knowledge in his head! Damn!
Just so you all know, this recent fetishization of craftsmen, creeps us the fuck out. Just because we make things from trees doesn't mean none of us are idiots or that everyday is the most fulfilling joyous day on earth.
at the end i truly cried such a wealth of knowledge he has and he was so kind enough to share i am so very grateful thank you so much
Craftsmen and women like George are our national living treasures. Helping to maintain ancient crafts by passing on their knowledge and passion to a new generation. Thank you sir.
Women weren't exactly craftsmen in the same sense. However, they did make clothing for the family which was also extremely important for those days. Hat's off to both I suppose.
@@johnnybee2517 My comment about craft women relates to the modern day where the lines of "male" and "female" jobs is much less distinct or non-existent. Regardless, you fail to remember that those women who made the clothes, to use your example, probably also spun the yarn and wove the cloth, a very skilled craft in itself.
I’m 82 years old and I enjoyed every minute of this ! Thank you so much.
Happy 83rd birthday
I hope you are 84 now :)
As someone who was brought up among the shavings ln Ireland Let me say George is not just a gifted tradesman but a brilliant teacher.
well said Paddy
Patrick White amen patrick...amen.
Watching from Louisiana. Absolutely amazing craft.
Thank you George Smithwick, and thank you Sydney Living Museums for presenting us with his knowledge.
@Hello Bruce A. Johnson, How are you doing?
I do hope he has an apprentice to pass on his knowledge too. Loved watching a true master of his craft at work
Fuck, I'd like to be his apprentice.
your now his apprentice. He just showed you how. Now make 500 buckets till your a master too lol
I found an old article from 2006 that said he was training his grandson.
Yes, this is one of those crafts that needs to be handed down. Many years ago a cooper did a demonstration at my college. He was a master cooper in Williamsburg. He said an apprenticeship takes ten years. When watching how he made a barrel I could see why. Amazing stuff.
@@joshconeby I just found an article saying his workshop burnt down along with all his tools and everything. Hes on record saying "It's all gone, that's it. Coopers are no more for Victoria." That is so sad!
Every bucket and barrel Mr George Smithjwick hand crafted contains a little bit of his soul and this is what is so precious about all those old trades where hands are the main tool. Respect Mr Smithwick.
torno ceramica
His products most certainly exist to this day.
Like he says, “They don’t blow away in a fifty mile wind.”
That's not soul yet spirit for spiritual..
It’s not just a bucket, it’s somebody’s devotion of his whole life to do one thing right. The skill is passed down through generations which holds the wisdom and ingenuity of mankind. It’s beautiful.
Everything we see, somebody devoted their whole life to it.
@@Zenovarse not really there’s a big difference between a career and a passion.
Watching this video made me imagine a time when every single possession a person owned or used would have been precious and valued. A functional pail to fetch water from the well, perhaps. Something reliable, handcrafted, made to last and function. Everything now is disposable.
there's a good chance that you already replaced the device you typed this comment on lol
We've exceeded disposable and seem to be at a point where we just accept manufacturers are building planned obsolescence in to the products. Very much hoping for and to be part of a hand crafted resurgence.
to the people back in history you didn't take for granted something breaking down thats for sure.. but eveyday objects like these were more common place.
Start making your own things then and learn how to fix things teach yourself hell i barely throw anything away i can most of the time fix things
@@M3rVsT4H I think you mean planned obsolescence.
Wow, what an amazing 50 mins, I could listen to this fella for hours, such honesty and sense. The world needs more people like this to get back to what really matters, today's progress is not for the better. Good health to you fella.
How would you dislike this gem this guy is a walking legend we need to protect this man at all costs
jealous of white ppl would dislike, and they are a lot
Idk i was on board then he used the bucket as a cutting board and dropped the knife point first into the bottom.
Absolutely fascinating documentary. Some years ago, around the late 1990s or early 2000s, I did a tour of the Wadworth brewery in Devizes, Wiltshire, England, and they still had a cooper making barrels. The tour guide had a job of prising us away from him because we all found him so absorbing. We wanted to be with him all day. Such knowledge and capability. Coopers are true craftsmen. I’m so sorry to see this way of life disappear.
"what do you like about making buckets?"
"It's a practical thing"
anyone who has never made something useful with their own hands is really missing out on an amazing experience in life. The first time you set out to create some useful tool or object and succeed, even poorly, that feeling of "I MADE this" is wonderful.
Since I got clean from opiates about ten years ago I started making everything I can for myself. I'm a pretty good leatherworker now and make good side money from it, I reload all my own ammo, I build guns, I cook from scratch a lot, I'm building a desk top computer instead of buying one whole, I try and work on my car as much as I can, and when I die I'll do it myself instead of letting some bug take me in my sleep. That last part was just a joke.
@@EndingTimes0 I don't know you, but I'm proud of you. Hope you live a long productive life.
@@roberthunter4884 thank you, so do I. Hope you do too.
@rats arsed don't cut yourself with that edge.
@rats arsed reducing a human being to a single derogatory term. Well fuckin' done. If you think of people struggling with addiction as defined by their substance use you must have a very narrow world view. I struggled with drugs alot in my life (3.5 years clean at this point.) But this junkie with alot of love and support got through it. Because people believed in me more than I did. Because my family refused to just let me die in the hole I dug for myself over the course of 9 years. And most certainly NOT by letting people like you influence my decision to get clean. I sobered up and joined an online school to finish getting my diploma. Ended up being valedictorian for my grad year. I'm going to university now trying to develop my future and get out of the part time jobs. I'm a blacksmith by trade and constantly work on developing my craft. I've made all of my woodworking tools because making money can be tough with any sort of a criminal record. But most the most important change I have made since getting clean is to change how I look at myself. Instead of resigning myself to die as a junkie, I respect myself and what I can do in this world. I've got purpose and happiness outside of numbing myself from the world full of cruel fuckin' assholes who can't respect other's humanity. To anybody who has struggled with addiction and mental health issues, my advise before anything else is learn to love yourself. Because truly nothing in this world can make you happy if you feel like you don't deserve happiness. But I give you my word that everyone deserves happiness and to feel some sense of love and community. Lean on your family members, and friends outside of your depression or habits. Don't let yourself fall into a toxic friendship or relationship, wherein the people around you aren't helping you to stay clean and healthy. Give it time and your brain will learn to give you that happy feeling without the drugs to help. Love you, random internet stranger.
-Rando.
Bet he never imagined 1 million people would enjoy watching him work for nearly an hour
1 1/2 million now - 4 mos later
@@moahs5682 Nearly 2 million now.
2 million now!
Today, 2,214,778!
Far beyond enjoyed. This is what's missing from the world right now. Technology makes life easier, indeed, but craftsmanship is one of the most important things in humanity, and it's disappearing in favor of ease of life. Wall-E is a cautionary tale.
i come from an even longer line of wine, beer and spirit drinkers! thank you for your barrels!
In an ideal world, I'd spend a summer being George's apprentice.
My oh my it really says something about our society that we long for the simplisticity of days gone by for something that our economy no longer values.
He does classes.
Same bro
A summer only? 3 are better
Just do it.
This is such a wonderfully recorded documentary. Contrary to most other technical or scientific videos the camera actually holds on a scene and shows what is happening. Typical videos don't show any shot longer than 1.5 seconds and even then the camera must be zooming, panning or whatever. But it seems it should be avoided at all costs the viewer sees something. I am very grateful for this video. I just wished the recording technique was copied by many more film makers.
jlinkels nailed it. I'm a millenial, and I cannot stand the crazy multi-spliced screen jumping format of most UA-cam videos. This guy did it right!
You're absolutely right - the "quick shot" is really dumbing down, supposedly for those with the attention-span of a gnat.
The jumping around in the shots is to protect patented processes, or “trade secrets”, or simply to avoid interrupting work with a cameraman.
You will see the same type of camera operation in older movies and TV shows. Lack of skill by the performer is often the reason for the short takes. It is one of the reasons I do not care for most modern movies.
Yeah man! Let us SEE what the guy is doing! So many others are just fluff, not capturing the essence of the craft.
I'm absolutely amazed watching you work, sir. I'm 71 years old and what you do as a Cooper is just amazing.
Thank you for the video sir, I learned a lot about making buckets today. That is quite a skill you have and a valuable on too. You are very inspiring, and do beautiful work. I wish I had your skills.
I liked the secret little book he showed us, that was a mans life’s work. A work long forgotten and should be shared, I think the original owner of that book would be proud to have his life’s work spotlighted
I truly hope this doesn’t get lost to the internet. Cheers mate.
THIS IS A VERY NICE TRADE. ITS A SHAME TTHAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW THIS. THE WAY THINGS ARE MADE AUTOMATICALLY LEAVES SO MUCH TO BE DESIRED. YOUR TRADE IS MUCH MORESPECIAL THAN MANY PEOPLE REALIZE.
Thanks for sharing this with everyone. It was an absolute pleasure to spend an hour with you. I wish you all the best.
I absolutely loved watching this true craftsman at work! I can see by his hands he had to work hard doing this trade!
Who knew that such a simple implement of daily living - a wooden bucket - was a beautiful work of art by a great artisan. Amazing video.
As a kid a long time ago, I can remember being taken by my grandfather to a local meat works in New Zealand and watching the coopers making big barrels. I never forgot the experience even at that young age. To see George working here is a total delight to this old guy.
I can't understand why 72 would dislike this video. Sad thing to dislike a true "Cooperage man" at his trade.
Go figure...
They might prefer factory made ugly plastic barrels... Fortunately more than 6k people liked this better ! I wonder why ! :D
I always wonder why some people dislike something so good, is it because they are so bad?, who knows.
The are black
maybe because they’re jealous, cant do anything with their hands! accept pushing a button 😀
you're just upset someone named you fester
Had my attention from start to finish. Absolutely amazing to see these crafts still exist and with passion. Thank you for the video
Always gets me right in the feels seeing a true master of his craft take the time to teach us young shits the art he's spent his life perfecting.
what a master, I wish that I could know this old timer. Ive only been looking into this for a few minutes before coming to this video, I suddenly really want to go visit and make a whole slough of buckets, churns, and barrels. these are really worth anything that he could charge, what an awesome person. God bless you Mr.
I wish I could just travel the world and spend a week or two hanging out with guys like this.
Fabulous, I've wanted to see this done for 60 years.
I very, very much enjoyed this video. What else can be said........a true craftsman!
I had a great pleasure watching this film. Thank you!
Oh yes, it was. So good to see the craft my ancestors did :) My name translated to english is "Cooper" :) I asked my dad, but he didn't know who from my family was making barrels... Well, i guess it runs in the family. I'm too working with my hands "mostly" by fixing and installing machines:)
I didn’t even know what a cooper was but I came across this video by accident and really enjoyed the history lesson and explanation of how these various tools were used by real craftsman! Thank you so much for sharing.
It's rare that this smartmouthed punk is at a loss for words, but I found myself nigh overwhelmed with the flood of thoughts and emotions as I ate this up. Clearly I'm not alone in any one of them, as previous comments so thoroughly document, but I am truly grateful to Dr. Smithwick for sharing so generously of his soul for the enlightenment of any and all who have both the good sense and the good fortune to sit at his feet for a moment in time. Nevermind that I share his genetic lineage and vintage and certain of his joys in working with his hands - I also happen to have a grandson who shares his birthday. Having a neighbor who's a cooper - just another co-inky-dink.
Many, many thanks to you, George! ...and thanks indeed to the makers/sharers of this video!!!
You're anything but at a loss for words, you eloquent penman.
Every day I try to follow a plan I came up with many years ago... I will spend some time watching a few youtube videos on subjects I am interested in, but I must also pick at least 1 video that is as random as I can get. That video could be anything from a man fixing a part on his furnace to a politician chattering on about something at a podium. As the years passed I have become more and more convinced that this strategy makes me a more well-rounded individual. This video was today's "random" video and I do believe I'm that much better for having seen it. I enjoyed listening to George, and even though I doubt I'll ever Need to know anything I have learned from him today, I am honored to have learned it. Keep up the good work sir!
A few more years you will accumulate very impressive insights indeed. It is already showing.
Nine minutes in and I learned more about coopering than I did the 6 years I spent volunteering on a Living History Farm.
Sir your are a master in this day of plastic you remind us of clean and purer days. I hope you have taught a 100 students god bless you
I just freaking love all kinds of old crafts. I'm only 25, So hopefully I've got years and years to learn all these things, and maybe even put then to some real use, that to just learn them for the sake of learning. I admire people like this geezer here!
Andreas Stie Geezer? Disrespectful shit
@@johnjohnson5907 Not necessarily so. It was an old slang word, not really disrespectful. Plus, the young lad seems to take an interest in the trades. That's often how it starts.
@@musamor75 ya, I have to agree, I think @John Johnson misunderstood what the young man meant. Nice of him to want to defend the man though.
@@musamor75 Geezer to me means a man of character. Granted some are character traits that are undesirable, but in this case definitely not. It's probably just a regional difference of meaning that caused offence.
@@twotone3070 I don't know if you're Australian but here it's normally meant as an insult. It kind of goes like this: Well he was only a stupid old geezer. I've never once heard anyone use it as a compliment, not once.
From here in the States we thank you so much for showing this professional to the rest of us. This video should be shown to the youth so they can better understand the shoulders we of today stand on! We definitely owe Mr. Smithwick a brew!! Thanks!
You are absolutely right. Thanks for saying it.
This is why I find trades so valuable, I recognize how vital some of these skills are and they’ve become such a pillar in building a modern life that you’d be a fool to ignore them or treat them with any kind of disrespect.
We need them multiplied. I'll happily sign up.
You are correct with the importance of skilled trades.
So many position papers have championed trades over a college education for at least 90 percent of what a customer needs. Obviously professional vocations require degrees . Regrettably, university marketing plans and budget have suaded many to buy this concept- honestly, does one actually work in ones chosen field and how long did it take to earn a meaningful wage A union apprenticeship begins with one having a job in their chosen trade before during and after training with eventual testing to leave apprenticeship and become a journeyman.
he is so wholesome i could watch him make buckets for hours
As i watch this, and realizing that he's 6th generations cooper, i am looking at 5 to 600 years of craftmenship. Great video and a brilliant cooper. Hats off to you sir. You're a national treasure.
A generation is not 100 years . When a couple have their first child, that's the start of a new generation which is typically around 20 - 25 years.
ua-cam.com/video/mon-BulWBGw/v-deo.html
@@RBYW1234 thank you for sharing this. I liked it.
I have no use for a bucket, but now I want one! Beautiful craftsmanship. I never realized how much work went into making buckets and barrels. Thank you for sharing it with us..
This is way more than just a Master Class from a generational cooper. It's the beautiful and heartfelt story of the lineage and legacy of wonderful, hard-working men that possess the knowledge of doing something so essential, yet that time has forgotten. It's too bad that most of today's youth completely lack the desire and motivation to allow their minds and hearts to be inculcated with true art and crafts necessary for living, and in most cases, survival. We never know when we'll need these skills, but if we're ever in a great tribulation like no man has ever seen before, trust me when I tell you that these skills will save your life!!! Thank you George Smithwick. May God bless you and your hands!
Are young people allowed to encounter people like Mr. Smithwick? It’s worth a try before writing off a generation. It would require the efforts of adults to conceive, schedule and transport in order to make it happen. Will parents make themselves available to help in that kind of activity or will they find it easier to hand their children Amazon Fire Tablets pre-loaded with “Crafts Battle 2040: Annunaki Coopers vs Nephilim Candlemakers Race to the Center of Nibiru”
A tremendously skilled craftsman and a wonderful teacher. Thank you George.
That guy is so modest that, in my head, I was translating "lucky" to "skilled" for him.
Also, I was so excited I paused it, rummage in the garage for a piece of laid rope plans to make a loop while I finished it---video done---loop not so much. 5ish tries, frayed-out. A few bumpy messes. Many tries later a loop! Crazy strong too. That, and a pile of rope fibers and pieces on the carpet.
Its not a loop, its called an Eye Splice, its to make a permanent Eye in the end if a rope, a temporary eye is made by tying a Bowline, these methods are still very much in use at Sea in all manner of Vessels
A cheat is to tape the ends of the strands, shouldn't really be necessary if you are only going through three times, or you can use small twine to wrap the ends of the strands, I think this is called mousing.
That is absolutely awesome, the more I watch the handmade videos the more I realize what we are losing with every generation. Please keep up your special work and keep making history come alive.
came upon this by accident. couldn't turn it off. I would love to meet him.
I was sucked in after 15 seconds. I watched beginning to end (with a snack and pee break in the middle). This is a dying art and this guy was a real treat to watch work his craft. I now know that I need a handmade wooden bucket!! Awesome work George, I'm glad you continued your family's craft!
Its not dying. Well coopering as a profession? Yes. But Woodworking as a whole is probably healthier than it has been in a long time.
As far as hobbiests and semi pros go, I believe we are greater in number than ever. Obviously the professional side has transitioned to more boutique hyper high end stuff/art, rather than making utilitarian items.
Straight coopering like this is fairly straight forward (which is probably why they chose it to be the subject of the film). Try it, you might make a crappy bucket but if you do a bit of research, you should still end up with a bucket.
I believe in you
What and amazing craftsman, the amount of ability and knowledge George has and is sharing is truly incredible and priceless, one day people like George will be gone and humanity will be poorer as some computer 3d prints out a crappy looking bucket with no soul, God bless him!
I'm glad that UA-cam exists so that we can learn about historic trades from masters.
A true master of his trade. My we never lose these skills. We love ya George.
Man, this is old school. They don't make them like they used to. Thank kind Sir for sharing your craft. Many years and generations of experience you just can't teach 🙏
nice work George, my uncle was a cooper but I never saw anything he did, this makes you appreciate the good old hand made stuff that lasted a life time
A true craftsman, a rarity
Just amazing wow
Amazing
First time in my life I've seen a true Cooper make something and I've always been fasinated by the art. Brilliant and thanks for sharing
Being almost 55 yrs old, as a child I worked on a Dairy farm and wished today my Children had the same opportunity I had back then Milking and Taking care of 5000 heads. All day long.
I'm happy to see you share your Cooperage with the world. At least your kids and Grandchildren and Great grandchildren will be able to see you way into the future doing a Job most of us have no idea existed till we watched your Videos. Thank you Sir. You could be My Father at my age
Lol have a Blessed Life and thank you for sharing your Trade and Thoughts.
Great film, I really enjoyed watching this craftsman at work. There's still a Smithwick and Son brewery in Ireland to this day, a county Kilkenny family I believe.
Beautiful work of art. You are such an accomplished cooper. I wish today they thought it in in schools.
Thank you for sharing.
Watching George reminds me of my oldest Grandfather x5 and only 2 of my mothers sons grow beards like our greatest Grandfather. I am one and I'm Irish. Thanks for video George. Family name is Swisher
Truly old school not just an inside look of a Cooper the language that this man used
This is probably the most interesting way I've ever spent an hour, but I don't feel like it's a loss. In fact, I feel enriched by seeing something beautiful being crafted by hand. Someday I will be a craftsman of sorts. If not in this life, the next! Thank y'all for finding, interviewing and filming this amazing craftsman!
How fascinating. I always wondered how containers were made in the old days. A pure work of art. I taught myself how to make soap, beer, Meade, leather work, book binding, hydroponic growing, and now I want to try my hand at making old time buckets. I believe in being self sufficient. Thank you George for showing me your art. You truly are a Master of your Craft. God Bless You
I agree with everyone else, a really interesting and informative film. A plesure to watch this old fella show us how he makes a bucket while explaining what he was doing and why, and then showing us his tools and xplaining what they were for and how they were used. I'm so glad this knowladge is being shared in this way rather than just being lost and forgotten. I hope the Living Museum does many more such films,. A very worthwhile project, for generations to come.
What a joy to watch and listen to George show us a glimpse into his professional life. I learned so much, what a great teacher of his craft.
Once a plastic bucket cracks it becomes litter that won't breakdown in our lifetime.
George's products will never be litter.
This is really well said
Wood is UV resistant. Plastic generally isn't.
This is why these skills and products should come back. Plastic is taking over my home, and finding these products aren't of the same quality and are expensive.
@@elvinadhludhlu5380 So why aren't you learning this skill? It's always "oh this thing sucks and this thing should go back to be as it used to" but nobody ever wants to put down the work to make it happen
@@Dueilangoisseus not everyone. I rebuild my own motors, vehicles, grow my own food, make my own wine, and have made my own bows etc etc
“It’s my hands that tell my brain, this is how it’s done” amen
Mine is my dick that tells my brain...
I’m always being told to bang out more with lower quality, which kills me as a commercial artist. I’m glad that there are amazing craftsmen like Mr. Smithwick who takes pride in his skills and joy in creating high quality things made with with great care.
So Mr. Smithwick, here’s a 39 years old commercial artist who envies your job!
Thrilling. I wish i had a bucket
What a fascinating man. I'd love to just spend a day with him and listen to his stories from his past. I had a friend who installed the very first cellular service back in the 60s (?) in NYC. He had so many stories and so much wisdom, it was always a treat to spend time with him. (R.I.P., George). Anybody who thinks old people are boring never sat down and talked to them. Life was so much more interesting back then.
He will be the most prepared if a solar flare knocks out our electricity. That man is an OG survivor. That bucket was beautiful, too.
I'd love to spend all my time with him learning all stuff, helping what he does and besides playing around my guitar and crafting some different bodies for it. Extremely valuable person.
This is a beautiful video. While I don't really need one, I find myself wanting one of these buckets. Cheers.
Really interesting to see him and other craftsmen and women at work. The alternative to their products cost phenomenally less but for me aesthetics is everything. Yes, I would buy ten plastic buckets, but my pride and joy for my whole lifetime would be a hand crafted bucket.
Ditto on that Alan. That barrel will last your lifetime! And it will be worth even more when you...you know.....it will be museum piece. You can burn the stuff we want to erase!
It will add mystery for your grandchildren.. just sayin'
Just to be with this man for one day would be an amazing experience.
Craftsmanship at its best and a fine piece of art that will outrun a piece of plastic anytime thank you for your contribution on making anyone life easier over the years sir.
Old timey, long bearded craftsmen are the best thing about youtube.
Everything this man eyeballs and dough rough is amazingly accurate, that circle he made by hand was amazing.
Fantastic, I really enjoyed that. Thank you.
There’s a saying in Britain... ‘ The old boys were the best’.
And this shows they truly were.
Fantastic bloke. Highly skilled. Beautiful result..Natural gifted demonstrator - never a stutter or hesitation. Fascinating insight.
What an amazing work of art! I hope that this trade is not lost to us. Even ladies appreciate the effort, work, and love of working with wood. Thank you it is a delight!
I could watch him for hours, thank you for this and cheers to you all!
Thank you for recording your craft for contemporary and future generations! I, and apparently millions others, find this interesting enough to watch and learn.
The world needs more Mr.Smithwicks. Thank you :)
amazing gift of knowledge for prosperity. George, your tradition will continue thanks to your desire to share, good bless. Congrats to Edward and Jimmy for the video post. Lets get another one for a barrel.
“I’ve done a few of these so I know about what it needs to be.” Love that. What a craftsman.
I’m 6:30 in and I absolutely love this guy. What a great teacher. A master at his trade and enjoyable to watch. What a privilege it would be as an apprentice under his guide.
Absolutely fantastic, a joy to watch and to be taught by this man who is obviously got his heart and soul in his gift and it comes across clearly how much he enjoys it.
I love the story of him not allowing his father to be the last in line in the family to be a cooper, George grabbed the baton and has run with it for over 30 yrs! I am sure his dad would have wanted it that way and be so very proud.
I would love to have one of those buckets, so beautiful but functional from carrying water, to washing in and doing washing in and carrying it to the line to hang out, collecting produce from the garden then using it to wash that in, endless usage for many, many years and to get more beautiful with time! Thank you George...
This is beautiful in every way. I hope this man and his family is blessed. I read he had a fire in 2006 and suffered burns from it, and lost a lot of his tools. He thought would make it hard to continue, but I am glad he has. Amazing man.
I Absolutely Loved This, Thank you for Making this and Thank You George! I Watched Every Last Bit of It!!!
I Am So Glad Men Like George Smithwick Still Exist in This World, We Need more Men Like Him!
God Bless!
J... ( Toronto )
I could watch and chat with this guy, all day. He's such a master at what he does.
I agree
A very nice presentation, this gentleman's personality is a big plus