Tim Hodgson’s creations often stem naturally from a single ‘interesting’ piece of scrap metal. Photos: Hayley Nicholls.
Dating back to circa 1870, Old Joinery Lane in Bungendore has undergone a recent renaissance, transforming what was once a functional workshop laneway into a vibrant hub of creativity, wellness and cafe culture.
Central to this new artisan vibe are the eccentric pieces of local scrap metal sculptor Jeeperz Creaturez.
Nestled quietly behind The Gathering cafe, you can sip your coffee surrounded by the colony of quirky characters who call this sun-drenched courtyard home.
Peeking out from garden beds and clambering over fences, the metallic masterpieces bring new personality to the area while also serving as a poetic nod to its utilitarian history.
“I do like to get movement and attitude into my pieces. I try to put comical looks, personality and expression into them,” said the artist behind Jeeperz Creaturez, Tim Hodgson.
Tim delivers another load of metallic monsters to their new home.
Tim began his artistic journey in the solitude of his garage. A builder by trade, he was forced to step back from work due to health issues – his own and those of his wife, who battled pancreatic cancer during COVID lockdowns.
“A lot of times I would have to leave her at the front door of the hospital and not see her for weeks. I was going stir crazy at home, not able to do anything, so I needed something to keep my mind active,” Tim said
“I just started tinkering – and that’s how it began.”
His work is now spreading across the region and earning acclaim, most recently winning the People’s Choice Award at the 2024 QPRC Art Awards, as well as raising $2500 for men’s mental health via a sculpture auction at the Hawker Men’s Shed.
With installations in both Old Joinery Lane and the artists’ collective at The Malbon in Bungendore, Tim credits his “over-active imagination” for the ever-growing swarm of creative creatures.
“I don’t really know what I’m going to make until I start making it,” he said.
“I’ve normally got about 10 or 15 different pieces going at once. I get distracted quite easily so I’ll start another piece and then jump back into that one – I’m all over the place.”
Tim said rather than sourcing materials, they tend to come to him – including as a result of his appearance at local events.
“I’ll do a display at the markets and people will say ‘I’ve got some junk out the back of my shed if you’re interested?’,” he said, “Or I find bits of scrap laying around and think ‘that could be interesting as an eyeball, or a wing’.”
Ian and Sherridan Marsh surrounded by curiosities and character at Old Joinery Lane.
Once rusty pliers and circular saw blades, Stu the scorpion and Frank the frill-necked lizard are now residents of Old Joinery Lane. It was here that Tim first connected with the property owners, Sherridan and Ian Marsh, as he worked on the renovation of its historic buildings.
Encouraging the builder-turned-artist to display his work in the laneway, Sherridan and Ian view Old Joinery Lane as more than just commercial space. They say its transformation into usable community space was a longstanding goal in their quest to help ‘activate’ Gibraltar Street, including participating in the QPRC Arts Trail and hosting practical workshops such as stonemasonry classes.
“Hubby always wanted a coffee courtyard out the back,” said Sherridan, “and the Gathering does so well, it gave us the motivation to develop the laneway.”
The cafe itself was built in the 1920s, after a fire destroyed the original Australiana-style structure.
Tucked away behind it is Old Joinery Lane, along with the original 1870s built house – Number 12 – which used to be the funeral director’s home.
“Down the back – where our wisteria grows really well – used to be the mortuary,” said Sherridan.
“Hubby loves telling that story. He and his family grew up in the old house and he’s got a few ghost and exorcising stories to tell.”
The old house is unique in its original construction, with besser block walls made with local river pebbles – just one of the many features preserved in the respectful renovation of the entire area by Sherridan and Ian.
“We really like bringing back the heritage,” said Sherridan.
“We’ve exposed the original timbers, sourced heritage bricks and even rediscovered an old bread oven in number 10.
“Number 10 has great history. It dates back to 1865. It’s one of the few buildings around just made from timber slab on stone footings, and sun-dried bricks from a little brickworks that used to be on Modbury Street.”
The area benefits from a carefully curated tenant mix.
A past member of the Bungendore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sherridan loves all things community building and emphasises the importance of a carefully curated tenant mix in place.
Although they have now sold 10 Gibraltar Street, Sherridan and Ian secured its nine tenancies – predominantly health and wellness services that were previously lacking in the region. Their focus is on supporting local small business and start-ups, even providing rent relief and promotional support when needed.
“It’s not just about us and the rental opportunity – the better it is for the community, the better for all our local businesses,” said Sherridan.
As for Jeeperz Creaturez, the population in Tim’s workshop continues to grow. He is currently crafting a life-sized crocodile, and a Rhodesian Ridgeback inspired by his own dogs. Now cancer-free, his wife remains his biggest fan.
“She steals them before I can sell them,” he laughs. “She’ll come up with a coffee and say, ‘I’m having that one!’.”
Old Joinery Lane Courtyard is at 12 Gibraltar St, Bungendore, NSW, Australia, NSW. Follow it on Facebook here.
