Over the coming months we will give our view of Patternmaking in terms of its past, how it has effected Western Australia, the changes that have occurred in our lifetime, the present and of course the future.
I am privileged to not only have become a Patternmaker but, to have lived at a time where we have seen many changes while the biggest, I believe are yet to come.

So what is Patternmaking?
The question is one many have battled with for years, not because of an identity crisis, more as a result of a lack of appropriate description.
Last week was a typical example; I was in a store where a very tall female attendant asked if I could make her a trouser Pattern as it was such a problem purchasing such garments!

The certificate of trade studies our apprentices study is known as Engineering Fabrication (Patternmaking).
While some consider the above definition inappropriate, the Webster Dictionary gives the following definition;

Engineering; “the art of constructing and using machines”
Fabrication; “to construct mechanically”
Pattern; “model, example or guide”
Maker; “to create, to constitute”

While the above might be accurate it doesn’t indicate the level of skill required to work successfully as a Patternmaker and unfortunately, doesn’t say we are not involved in the clothing industry!

A “Pattern” is utilized to form an impression in “modified sand”, the “Pattern” then removed and the remaining sand cavity filled with a metal in liquid or molten state.
The end result a “metal casting”, something most people would be familiar with.
It must be remembered that a large portion of cast products have been made redundant by the availability and access to fabrication and fabricable components.
My Engineer father often reminds me of the Chief Engineer that claimed “welding would never replace rivets”,
The amazing thing is quite often where welding doesn’t replace rivets, glue will!

The following interview is with an individual well known in Patternmaking circles in Western Australia and someone I hope will share some insight into this great trade.
Amongst other things, Jack was the Patternshop Foreman of the Western Australian State Engineering Works but to many, incuding myself was the guy that would rubber stamp apprentices as qualified Patternmakers.
I am privileged to not only have known Jack but consider him a good friend.

Paul Zuvela
Manager/Director/Partner
TOOLING SOLUTIONS

Interview with JACK T MARRINER
PATTERNMAKER-STATE ENGINEERING WORKS-1943 to 1987

PZ: Jack, can you outline your working history?
JM: I commenced work at the State Engineering Works as an apprentice Patternmaker in February 1943 serving a 5 year apprenticeship.
From 1948 to 1969 I was employed as a Patternmaker tradesman, taking over the position of Foreman of the Pattern Shop in 1969.
I was employed in this position until 1987 when the State Engineering Works closed down and I retired, having served 44 ½ years with the same firm.

PZ: How was it you became an apprentice Patternmaker?
JM: The position of Apprentice Paternmaker was advertised in the West Australian.
I applied for the position and was interviewed at the Public Works Department Perth and was successful.
This was my first job at the age of 15.

PZ: Can you describe the type of work, detail and materials you used?
JM: The type of work when I first stared was mostly jobbing-floor and strickle work.
At this stage most of the finish work was done by hand or on lathe face plate and between centres.
Most finishes were Shellac and metholated spirits applied by hand.
The glue was animal which was soaked and then placed in a steamer glue pot.
The timbers used were American Yellow Pine, Sugar Pine, Canadian Red Cedar and Queensland Quondon.
In later years Fibreglass and Plastic Patterns were being made.

PZ: What Pattern do you remember most?
JM: Australia 11 keel stands out as very memorable.
This Pattern was not made at S.E.W., but modifications were carried out there and the keel was moulded and cast in lead at S.E.W.

PZ: Can you give us an insight into the two toolbox’s Jason and Andrew have on their bench’s today?
JM: It was customary for an apprentice Patternmaker at S.E.W. in his 4th year with permission from his Foreman to make his own toolbox in his own time.
You will note that the lid, sides and ends are made from full planks usually Yellow Pine.
(these toolbox’s were manufactured at different times by Jack and Frank Hitchcock and have internal drawers that fit either box today, PZ).

PZ: We have a good idea what tools are in those boxes but maybe you could give us more details.
JM: The tools in the tool boxes were designed to be used by hand or light mallet use.

PZ: Where did a Patternmaker fit into the ladder of trades?
JM: A Patternmaker was considered 1st or 2nd rung.

PZ: Can you give us an idea of Patternshop history in Western Australia?
JM: Western Australia Government Railways had the largest Patternshop in W.A. at Midland.
Other Patternshops included; Hadfields Bassendean, Hoskins in Bassendean and Kalgoorlie, S.E.W. North Fremantle, McAlister West Perth, Millars Timber Co had a Patternshop at Yarloop workshops to service their timber mills throughout the South West, Bradford Kendall South Fremantle.
There were also several one and two man shops.

PZ: Can you give us a history of S.E.W.?
JM: The history of the State Engineering Works goes back to 1913 when its name was the State Implement Works, and manufactured many different items including farm implements like ploughs, sowing machines, graders.
To the best of my knowledge in the years 1920-1930 the S.I.W. was called on to manufacture and repair equipment and parts for most Government Departments including; Water supply and sewerage, State electricity, Hospitals, Perth Trams, State Shipping, Fremantle Harbor trust and Works, Education, Main Roads and Public Works Departments.
It catered also for private Engineering companies.
S.E.W consisted of; Admin and office, Drafting office, Carpentry, Sheetmetal, Plumbing, Machine, Fitting, Meter repair, Pattern, Foundry (Iron, Steel, Non-ferrous), Blacksmith, and Boilermaking Shops plus Metallurgy Laboratory.

PZ: Do you know if the Bollard Pattern in the new Fremantle Maritime Museum was made at S.E.W.?
JM: The Bollard Pattern may well have been made at S.E.W.
It was stored in the Pattern loft when I started in 1943 and was still there when I retired in 1987.

PZ: You must have met a lot of Patternmakers, do any individuals stand out?
JM: Mr Roy Smith, Mr Frank Hitchcock, Mr Noel Lowick, Mr Norm Wells and Mr John Spencer.

PZ: How did you get the job of signing off apprentices?
JM: I was appointed the task of signing off apprentices by the Government Apprentice Board as a Trade Examiner to the trade of Patternmaking.

PZ: You have seen many changes in the trade, what would you consider the most significant?
JM: The introduction of Fibreglass and Epoxy resins in the manufacture of Patterns and Core-box’s.

PZ: Have you any idea how the trade might change in the future?
JM: Computers will possibly take over in many cases.

PZ: Whom would you consider the most talented Patternmaker you have seen working?
JM: I would consider Norm Wells to be very talented because of his versatility.

PZ: Thanks again Jack.